Coming to DVD today, Tuesday, November 24: THE NEW RIJKSMUSEUM
Oeke Hoogendijk’s behind-the-scenes look at the decade-long renovation of Amsterdam’s most notable art attraction had its world premiere on Dutch television in 2013, with a substantially shortened theatrical version making its debut at NYC’s Film Forum earlier this year. Other fest screenings have included IDFA, Biografilm, Jerusalem, and Hong Kong.
In 2004, the Rijksmuseum was closed to the public in anticipation of a four-year renovation to update the institution for the 21st century and solidify its importance for the Netherlands’ international cultural tourism. As Hoogendijk’s primarily observational epic demonstrates, things didn’t go exactly to plan. Instead, four years ballooned to nearly ten, and the museum didn’t reopen until April 2013. During this fallow period, the Rijksmuseum lost its director, shown halfway through this chronicle; struggled with a surprisingly strong pro-bicyclist lobby that necessitated major architectural redesigns; tried to develop its 20th century collection with some questionable acquisitions; and ran up its budget far beyond projected estimates. While the film at times seems to revel in a schadenfreude of sorts as the renovation faces all manner of absurd bureaucratic hurdles, it’s clear that the director’s focus on numerous dedicated employees – most notably curators and restorers – demonstrates a deep and abiding respect and love for what the institution is meant to celebrate. Even if the final scene fails properly to showcase the completed museum in enough detail, there remains a distinct sense of satisfaction that its staff – and the audience – have finally seen the project to its end.
what (not) to doc 