'Leaning Into The Wind' A Review

Leaning Into The Wind is a documentary about land artist Andy Goldsworthy, a sequel to/ continuation of 2003's Rivers and Tides. The film follows Goldsworthy over various projects and installations, both international and domestic. We follow Goldsworthy as he observes and shapes clay, stone, sticks and leaves this time working with his daughter Holly and even doing some work within city limits, something he acknowledges he previously thought he would never do.

The film, much like it's predecessor, is simple. It is an engaging meditation on the process and work of a particular unique artist. Goldsworthy is a bit more forthcoming in this installment, a bit more sociable, with a somewhat goofy sense of humor on display. One particular sequence, pictured on the poster above, where he struggles horizontally through a hedge is both captivating and kind of hilarious.

More comfortable with the camera, and perhaps his place in the world or art community, Goldsworthy seems significantly more relaxed, less driven and more contemplative, more playful. And that is reflective in the various pieces and projects the film captures.

Describing the film further would quickly degenerate into describing the pieces themselves and that would only cheapen them. Sufficient to say the art and the artist have a stunning, inspiring clarity and magnetism along with a kind of subtle absurd wryness. A must see for creative types.

See It.