To accurately reflect her early years, old photographs and videos are interspersed throughout. But, in terms of style, Ursula von Rydingsvard: Into Her Own is as close to a point and shoot documentary as one can get. However, that is not to imply the film is dry or boring. The renowned artist’s life is so compelling that her story, simply told though it may be, is still incredibly gripping and engaging.
The whole 57-minute production is the pure definition of getting out of the way of the main draw. Ursula von Rydingsvard’s art and life are compelling enough not to need any fancy window dressing to engage the audience from the outset. The interviews prove as much. Ursie’s, in particular, offers a fascinating glimpse into her mother’s mind and approach to art. When she’s describing the loft apartment they lived in, and how broke they were, she is a bit sad about that, yet recalls it most fondly.
“…art and life are compelling enough not to need any fancy window dressing to engage the audience…”
Staś Karoliszyn, von Rydingsvard’s brother, also offers invaluable insight into the family dynamics that played such a massive role in shaping the person she’d become. He states that while their father was not a good man, he gave them all one vital thing: a non-stop work ethic. Their old man, who was quite strong by all accounts, would work and work and work some more. This explains Ursula’s commitment to each project, and her need to create more as soon as one is over.
Ursula von Rydingsvard: Into Her Own is competently made, but unremarkable on the technical front. However, the artist’s life and works are engaging enough on their own merits without needing all the bells and whistles to hook audiences. Ursula von Rydingsvard, the artist, is great; the documentary is perfectly fine.
"…the pure definition of getting out of the way of the main draw."
