"Daliland"

2022 * Not Rated * 1h 37m  I knew Salvador Dali was a genius and crazy as well. I guess when it comes to the arts, you can't have one without the other. This film perfectly captures just how mad Dali was, especially in his later years. And Dali is played to perfection by the great Sir Ben Kingsley. 

The story takes place in 1973, when Dali was getting ready for a big show in New York. A young gallery assistant James (Christopher Briney), is tasked with helping him prepare. He travels to Europe with Dali and his entourage and oh, the adventures he gets involved in. Dali loves to be the center of attention and he throws elaborate and legendary parties with a whole cadre of famous and eccentric people in attendance. It's great fun to witness such debauchery. 

James also witnesses the unusual relationship Dali has with his wife Gala (Barbara Sukowa). She's a force to be reckoned with and seems to be the driving force behind Dali's genius. She also nags him constantly to produce art. And we discover what a greedy, scheming witch she is as well. I'm not sure how closely the story sticks to the truth, but does it really matter? It is a film about Dali after all!

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Streaming for free on Hoopla with your library card. Also on Hulu and to rent on Prime Video.