Author: Anne McCormick
Date: 9 May 2020
Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diana Arbus. 2006.
Actors: Nicole Kidman (Diane Arbus), Robert Downey jr (Lionel Sweeney), Ty Burrell (Allan Arbus).
Producer: Steven Shainberg, also the author of the movie Secretary, 2002.
Diana Arbus (Nicole Kidman) is a daughter of wealthy parents. Arbus is the wife of the "right" husband, a photographer. Everything around Diana is correct, but for some reason, the woman suffocates in this correctness, as she does in the tiny dress that her mother gave her. It seems that Diana's life is lovely - she has a husband, Allan, two daughters, parents, and work. But there is no spiritual contact with her husband, and although he is kind, he is too simple and does not understand her. Relationships with Diana's children also do not go very well, and this is sad because Diana is also very kind. Diana's parents, arrogant, stiff, fur traders, seem like the direct opposites of their daughter. What about work? Allan Arbus is a successful photographer who advertises for glossy magazines. And Diana strokes clothes for models, gives them drinks, sets up the light. The woman has full responsibilities as a mother and housewife. In general, her life is dull. And although Diana meekly performs all these duties, we see that her life is heavy and completely uninteresting. And this is all the more offensive because Mrs. Arbus herself is an extraordinary person, internally free, romantic, and sensual.
And then, one day, a random episode changes everything in Diana's life. She notices a new neighbor moving into her house, on the upper floor. And this character is entirely out of the ordinary. The whole man is covered with clothes, most of his face having a cover (except his eyes). And these eyes look directly at Diana, and she, not remembering herself, gives herself wholly to the new feeling.
The new neighbor, Lionel, brilliantly played by Robert Downey Jr., turns out to be a person with unique features. It is no coincidence that he hides his appearance. The whole body, and even Lionel's face, is covered in fur (hence the name of the film). This man is friends with other equally unusual people. Some of them lack hands from birth, some of them are dwarf, and some are giant. Lionel himself has some strange disease that makes long fur grow everywhere. But at the same time, Lionel is not only not ashamed of his appearance; on the contrary, he feels very well in the role of an unusual person.
Lionel Sweeney also helps Diana to free herself from human prejudices and fears, and reveal her personality. She will never again wear her tight dress in which she suffocates. Diana will wear her fabulous, light blue dress, which suits her so well. She will only do things that light up interest and joy in her - she will start taking photos. We see her at the beginning and the end of the film, free from prejudice, in the company of similar free and happy people.
So, back to our story of their meeting. It was Lionel who initiated it, giving Diana the key to his apartment. But Diana herself was ready for strong deeds. I just watched in delight as Diana went into a new life without a drop of regret. This act of a woman with a family cannot but admire.
Robert Downey Jr. played the role of Lionel wonderfully. He "worked" only with his eyes. His eyes were so expressive that they dragged on the whole character throughout the movie. Diana was a match for him. I just rediscovered Nicole Kidman, this magnificent actress. The amount of sensuality in her eyes, external beauty, fragility, lightness, tenderness, subtle mind. What a lovely couple came from Diana and Lionel! May the whole world not accept them. What do they care about the outside world?
The actor, who played the role of Diana's husband, Ty Burrell, also coped with his role perfectly. Diana's husband is an ordinary, uninteresting person who is not devoid of outstanding human qualities - kindness and compassion. It would be a good idea to see other movies with this actor.
The scenes of farewell of Lionel and Diana, their last bath in the sea, and a pillow with air are incredibly emotional and deeply symbolic.
I recommend this movie to many people. I know that it may not be suitable for everyone, but it has fans, and I am one of them.
And I cannot help but talk about the amazing woman who became the prototype of the main character, and who gave her name to Diana Arbus. This real Diana Arbus is one of the most prominent photography artists in the world. Cinema and photography are so connected in life! The real-life woman was very talented; she photographed unusual people. Diana was able to see the most memorable moments of the human soul, like no other person. She collaborated with many of the most famous magazines, and the most famous galleries considered it an honor to exhibit her works. Diana suffered from depression, like many talented people, and died of her own free will, while still young, at the age of forty-eight years.
Director Steven Shainberg did a great job. This movie is a masterpiece that cannot leave my head.
Josie Rourke
Roman Polanski
Michael Gracey
John Hughes
Dan Scanlon
Stanley Kubrick