REVIEW: EIFF Closer Holy Frit! Explores Art of Christianity
The art of stained glass goes back to ancient Egypt when artisans wound molten glass around a clay core. Traditionally bits of different coloured glass are assembled into a whole and the result in the churches of the world is art. In this century leaded glass windows in churches have gone through a fall from grace (as it were) but recently have surged back into public attention.
The acclaimed documentary Holy Frit! takes a close look at the art and its artisans. It’s the closing film of the Edmonton International Film Festival, screening Saturday at 6:30 pm, and Sunday at 1 pm in the Landmark Cinemas 9 City Centre.
The renewed interest in stained glass is mostly because of a wizened pixie named Narcissus Quagliata. He developed a technique called “fusible glass” that allowed for the first time single sheets of glass to exhibit an astonishing range of colours – which means that no longer is it necessary to use hundreds of shards to make a finished product. He does it by sprinkling a kind of ground glass (the“Frit” of the title) over the top of a drawing. It is then placed in a kiln and subjected to high heat. The results are spectacular if sometimes unpredictable.
Now the use of the art form in a behemoth 4000-square-foot window (the largest stained glass window in the world) in the new United Methodist mega church in Leawood, Kansas doesn’t sound like the stuff of drama – but American director Justin S. Monroe has produced a gripping film that has charmed and delighted audiences everywhere. “An absolute must watch,” burbled Film Threat. “Fun, heartfelt and sometimes comedic,” opined the Melbourne Film Festival.
Tim Carey was a talented but unresolved Los Angeles artist. As the film progresses, we find that he is also something of a con artist, using charm and humour to get his way. He employs his questionable dexterity to bluff his company’s way into beating out 60 other competitors from around the globe to land the massive commission. The problem is – he has no idea how to make it work. He also discovers that his artistic talent can only go so far and he is well in over his head.
Carey finds Quagliata (who is already famous), a world class glass maestro. Carey and company soon discover that if they want to follow the master’s dictates they have to effectively learn a new trade and build a massive new workshop. The mega-church admires the work in progress but strains begin to show. The price tag keeps rising as the implacable Quagliata refuses to accept anything but the best. As they race against the clock, Carey’s company begins to fray under the pressure and tensions rise between Carey and Quagliata. Friendships and family are dissolving as the film progresses. Carey has to confront his own personal demons. Sure he is a terrific artist but his wit and charm can only take him so far.
Depending on your attitude toward massive (and highly traditional) representations of Biblical themes in stained glass, the result is spectacular. And in the hands of a master filmmaker, the final moments are quite moving (to raise money, congregants bought individual pieces of glass and turned up to see their piece in the final product). Despite all of the frustration, over the period of time Carey and Quagliata develop a great respect for each other’s talents and a true friendship evolves.
Monroe has taken the time to give us an intimate view of the humanity, spirit and determination behind the creation of an enduring work of art. Holy Frit! is a riveting (if a bit long) two hours of brilliant filmaking. A master director invites you to become part of a dynamic reality as it unfolds. You see it. It’s real.
