Follow this link to read Hartford Courant film critic Susan Dunne’s behind the scenes interview with Connecticut filmmaker Michael Maglaras about his new film John Marin: Let the Paint be Paint which screens at the New Britain Museum of American Art this Thursday, May 27.

A Film Salute To John Marin
Documentary by Michael Maglaras Of Ashford Will Be Screened At New Britain Museum Thursday

By SUSAN DUNNE, [email protected]
May 25, 2010

When we last checked in with Michael Maglaras, in March 2007, he was at the New Britain Museum of American Art, presenting his documentary about American modernist painter Marsden Hartley. That film, “Cleophas and His Own,” was the culmination of a years-long obsession Maglaras had with Hartley, a fixation that resulted in a second documentary.

Today, the Ashford filmmaker — who has a production company, 217 Films, with his wife, Terri Templeton — has found a new artistic soul mate. On Thursday, also at NBMAA, Maglaras will present his new documentary about another modernist: ” John Marin: Let the Paint Be Paint!”

Modernist painters are a labor of love for Maglaras, 60, who in his “day job” is a risk-management consultant. He sat down to discuss his affection for this style and this artist:

Q. Where does the title of your film come from?

A. This is actually a quotation from a letter that John Marin wrote to Alfred Stieglitz.

Q. You were focused on Marsden Hartley for many years. What is it about John Marin that finally lured away your attention?

A. I am particularly interested in American modernism and in the kind of work that was done in what I consider to be America’s “golden age,”…CLICK HERE to continue reading.