Movies about Goya on screen at museum

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

A 6-episode miniseries documenting the life and times of Francisco de Goya will be shown at the Pera Museum on May 30 and 31.

Produced by TVE and filmed at the actual historical locations, the film of interest not only to art lovers or Goya connoisseurs, but for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted drama. Goya witnessed the Napoleonic wars and a nation at arms resisting aggression with undismayed heart and soul. He represents the ancient paradox of the artist: an extremely sensitive individual who was also a bullfighting aficionado. He was a womanizer in his own aesthetic and impassioned way; he was friends with kings and poets, and a victim of social and political prejudices. This series undoubtedly succeeds in honestly portraying him.

The second screening in the museum’s Goya film series will be “The Naked Maja,” directed by Henry Koster. The slow pacing of this fanciful tale about Goya’s life and one reputed love makes for an uneven drama. Anthony Franciosa plays the artist, with Ava Gardner as his paramour, the Duchess of Alba. While the Prime Minister of Spain schemes to betray his country to Napoleon’s forces and the Spanish Inquisition is winding to a close, Goya tries to survive the pangs of love he feels for the aloof Duchess. In reality, the artist was seriously ill during this period -- the last decade of the 18th century -- and actually went deaf. But reality is set aside for high romance, as the pair of star-crossed lovers takes center stage over art and politics.