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Armin Mueller-Stahl, Trevor Morgan, Ray Liotta, Samantha Mathis, Ron Perlman ... see more see more... , Diana Scarwid , Charles Durning , Julie Lott

The challenges of growing up are fused with the discipline of art in this coming-of-age drama from writer and director George Gallo. John (Trevor Morgan) is a shy, introverted teenager from Port Chest... read more read more...er, NY, who is fascinated with art and would like to become a painter someday -- an ambition that does not please his father (Ray Liotta), who would prefer his son spend his time playing ball and chasing girls. John is a great admirer of Nicholi Seroff, a little-known but well-respected Russian impressionist, and to his surprise he discovers that the great Seroff (Armin Mueller-Stahl) is living in New York these days. John pays him a visit hoping for some tutoring from the master, only to be told by Seroff that he's no longer interested in painting before slamming the door in John's face. But John is persistent, and after bribing his would-be mentor with some Russian vodka, Seroff grudgingly allows the young student to tag along with him as he heads to Pennsylvania for the summer, where he can pass along some of what he knows in exchange for John handling the household chores. Despite his dad's objections, John eagerly takes the offer, but over the course of the summer he learns as much about himself as he does about painting, especially after meeting Seroff's neighbor Carla (Samantha Mathis). Also starring Charles Durning, Ron Perlman, and Diana Scarwid, Local Color received its world premiere at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

62% liked it

560 ratings

Critics

36% liked it

14 critics

R, 1 hr. 39 min.

Directed by: George Gallo

Release Date: April 29, 2006

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DVD Release Date: September 8, 2009

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Stats: 75 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (75)

  • bbcfloridabound
    December 27, 2010
    bbcfloridabound
    Another Independent Film from Monterey. Amin Mueller-Stahl plays his part nothing short of outstanding. This film is about a your art student who wants to study under the Russian Artist Nicholi Saroff, This is an excellent film based on a true story, John Talia spends the summer... read more and develops a friendship with Saroff. Very Enjoyable 5 Stars
  • dreamfaeries
    September 13, 2009
    dreamfaeries
    Very intellectual film with beautiful artwork. Can be a bit boring in spots but was worth watching.
  • fb1144932598
    May 30, 2011
    fb1144932598
    This was a terrific film, based on a true story, concerning an untrained, struggling young artist who finds a mentor to help him understand what painting, and life, is all about. Marvelous performances from a wonderful cast that included Armin-Mueller-Stahl as the older, establis... read morehed and reclusive artist, Nicholai Seroff; Trevor Morgan as the young man, John; Samantha Mathis as Carla, a sad young woman who has faced a lot of tragedy in her life and who is friends with Nicholai; and Ray Liotta, Diana Scarwid, Charles Durning, and Ron Perlmen. The story was somewhat predictable and in some ways was quite similar in tone to Billy Elliot, with a father (Liotta) and mother (Scarwid) who don't understand thier son's passion, or his fascination with this older, Russian (and probably Commie), man who may or may not have ulterior motives in taking their son under his wing. But the excellent performances bring this off without resorting to stereotypes or to formula. Both men are landscape painters, primarily and there is some breathtaking scenery on display here. It was fascinating to watch the interplay between these two strong personalities, and to watch their relationship develop. The process of learning to "see" the world and to bring it to life under the brush was also fascinating. Ron Perlman was an absolute hoot as a pompous, effeminate art critic and dealer who was nevertheless friends with the great man. A thoroughly enjoyable experience.
  • mvieaddict
    November 10, 2009
    mvieaddict
    Local Color was an enjoyable movie to watch. It brought you in to the world of painting and it was interested to see how they can put life on canvas. The characters struggled with their fears and shortcomings while following their dreams and doing anything to make them come true.... read more The movie made you laugh, because it had some funny moments and also made you feel the frustrations of the characters. The lead character John was faced with many difficult challenges as he struggled to become a respected painter, but as the movie progressed, he found real friendship in his teacher and he taught him to find confidence while expressing his feelings on canvas. A wonderful movie to watch.
  • clooneyfan
    June 20, 2011
    clooneyfan
    Most people will find this movie a bit boring. I enjoyed watching the interaction between the old man and his 16 year old prodigy.
  • jam233
    September 4, 2009
    jam233
    A lot of thought went into this film, but somehow it lacks the dramatic impact to make it really work. It's too slow moving and the fine performances don't make up for the pace. Well photographed.

View All Local Color Reviews

Critic Reviews

Kevin Thomas
July 31, 2009
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

Kriter-director George Gallo has given the stocky, ever-commanding Mueller-Stahl a heroic, bravura role and has been rewarded by the actor with a towering, complex portrayal that is surely among his f... Full Review

Ben Mankiewicz
July 6, 2009
Ben Mankiewicz, At the Movies

I suspect Local Color will lose those unfamiliar with the jargon and subtleties of the art world. Skip it. Full Review

Ben Lyons
July 6, 2009
Ben Lyons, At the Movies

Obviously a passio project for Gallo but he is never really able to translate that importance to the audience. We never really care or connect with these characters. Full Review

Stephen Holden
June 26, 2009
Stephen Holden, New York Times

Beneath its layers of sentimentality Local Color means what it is says.

Aaron Hillis
June 24, 2009
Aaron Hillis, Village Voice

How is it that a film about the love of art can make art seem so detestable? Full Review

Randy Cordova
October 18, 2007
Randy Cordova, Arizona Republic

A sweet, autobiographical coming-of-age story set in the summer of 1974. Full Review

Jay Weissberg
October 13, 2007
Jay Weissberg, Variety

Even the soft-hearted may find this formulaic yarn of a young man's apprenticeship to a cantankerous artist too rosy-hued and treacly. Full Review

John Tottenham
July 30, 2009
John Tottenham, L.A. Weekly

For a purportedly autobiographical work, the events of this labor of love from director George Gallo, fit seamlessly into the fabric of the standard coming-of-age movie. Full Review

Kam Williams
July 5, 2009
Kam Williams, Sly Fox

Forget The Karate Kid, make room for The Painting Protégé! Full Review

Steve Ramos
July 2, 2009
Steve Ramos, Boxoffice Magazine

Lacks the quality storytelling and visual beauty needed for all-important critical acclaim and positive word of mouth. Full Review

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