Painter Wilhelmina Barns-Graham has certainly made an impact, with even Tilda Swinton singing her praises.
“I messaged her a while ago, saying I was making this film. She said: ‘I’m on fire for Willie,’” Mark Cousins, the director of the biographical documentary “A Sudden Glimpse to Deeper Things,” shared with Variety.
But Barns-Graham’s life wasn’t all glitz and glam. Dealing with sexism, ageism, and criticism for changing her style, she was a force to be reckoned with. Cousins takes viewers on a journey inside the mind of this forgotten artist, narrated in part by Swinton and himself.
Cousins isn’t your typical distant filmmaker. He gets up close and personal with his subjects, forming deep connections and even giving them affectionate nicknames like “Willie.”
His latest project delves into the unique diaries left behind by Barns-Graham, who had synesthesia, turning letters into colors. This intimate look at her life challenges viewers to appreciate the small moments and artwork that cinema can magnify.
Despite being primarily known for his work on Hitchcock and Welles, Cousins is passionate about shedding light on forgotten artists like Barns-Graham. His desire to challenge traditional documentary formats and bring new perspectives to the screen has earned him recognition at prestigious festivals.
With his upcoming project, “The Story of Documentary Film,” Cousins continues to push boundaries and challenge preconceptions in the world of filmmaking. His passion for the medium and dedication to his craft drive him to create compelling and thought-provoking content.
In a world where documentaries are becoming increasingly relevant, Cousins stands out as a filmmaker who is unafraid to take risks and explore new storytelling techniques. By delving deep into the lives of forgotten artists like Barns-Graham, he provides audiences with a fresh perspective on the world of art and cinema.
