By Sheryl Rowling
LA JOLLA, California — The French film L’Antiquaire (in English, The Art Dealer) is a suspense drama addressing artwork stolen by the Nazis and the difficulties facing family survivors in attempting to reclaim their rightful property.
French Jewish journalist Esther discovers that a recently acquired painting by her art dealer husband has a mysterious connection to her family. Filmed with the ambiance, music and costuming of a 50’s detective thriller, Esther seems to fall into a dangerous maze of deeply hidden secrets. She is chastised by her uncle, discouraged by her father, suspended from her job and accused of insanity by her husband. Yet, Esther plods forward, piecing together clues until the shocking truth is revealed.
Looking beyond the central story, The Art Dealer provides a glimpse into the extent of Nazi thievery as well as French (and other countries’) postwar misappropriation of Jewish-owned artwork.
Beautifully photographed and well done, The Art Dealer is worth watching. One mystery never addressed: Why didn’t Klaus age?
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Rowling is a freelance journalist whose specialties include personal finance and the cultural arts. Your comment may be posted in the space below or sent to sheryl.rowling@sdjewishworld.com