Click here to see an illustration from the film. It illustrates the same tour, but now taken by the Qianlong emperor, grandson of the Kangxi emperor. Influenced by Western perspective, the Qianlong scroll presents the emperor in a single tableau, whereas the Kangxi scroll depicts a continuous travel narrative filled with details of daily life in the towns and countryside along the route. A film by director Philip Haas and David Hockney. Looking at the art with this important contemporary artist is refreshing and fascinating, and there is striking unity between the concept and technical aspects of the production.
Comparative approach is excellent, contrasting two very different visions and styles of painting.
Focuses on multiple-viewpoint perspective rather than other aspects such as color subtleties and brushwork. Film is successful in provoking thought about the art and helping us to sell it. The use of dissolves was somewhat problematic for certain viewers and several evaluators found the Western music obtrusive. Technical quality very good. Content and programming potential both very good to superior.