Magnolia Pictures has acquired U.S. rights to “Burden,” a documentary about the late art world provocateur Chris Burden.
Burden’s work was known for pushing boundaries — at various points he was crucified on a Volkswagen Beetle, electrocuted and shot in the left arm. “Burden” world premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Timothy Marrinan and Richard Dewey directed the film, which looks at the artist’s works and private life. It draws on videos of his performances in the 1970s and latter-day footage at his Topanga Canyon studio in Southern California. Interspersed throughout are personal videos and audio recordings, and interviews with friends, students, critics and colleagues.
“Timothy and Richard have crafted a fitting testament to one of the most exciting artists of the last century,” said Magnolia president Eamonn Bowles in a statement. “It’s easily the most entertaining, well-made doc about an artist that we’ve seen in a long time.”
It is the first feature documentary for Marrinan and Dewey. The film was produced by David Koh, Josh Braun and Dan Braun and executive produced by Simone Haggiag, Stanley Buchthal and Maja Hoffmann. The deal was negotiated by Magnolia senior VP of acquisitions Dori Begley and Magnolia VP of acquisitions John Von Thaden with Submarine Entertainment on behalf of the filmmakers.
Dogwoof is selling foreign rights at the Cannes Film Festival.
