Jesse Krimes–a seemingly fitting name for a former drug dealer. However, while Jesse served time in prison for his mistakes he quickly learned something about himself, he’s inspired and moved by art. He spent his time while incarcerated, and post prison, creating art, expressing himself, and trying to make the world a better place. Art & Krimes by Krimes follows the aforementioned artist as he tries to get his life back on track and understand what it means to be a father and a contributing member of society.
What I believe many thought to be a documentary about second chances and finding your way in life turns into something else altogether. Art & Krimes by Krimes quickly becomes a social and political commentary, traveling down a road of division–exactly the thing that Krimes expresses his dislike for. In the early going Krimes expresses that he has issues with the judicial system and the way in which it treats certain groups of people; he goes on to say that the practices that exist throughout our country are creating division, but he does the same by taking a stance regarding politics, law enforcement, and more. Art & Krimes by Krimes could have been a heartfelt story that nearly everyone could have gotten on board with, but its transition to something darker than expected throws the film off course–certainly antagonizing a large group of potential viewers.
Director Alysa Nahmias misses an opportunity throughout the course of Art & Krimes by Krimes. Considering the meat of the film is about a former drug dealer finding his second chance through art–it seems that a combination of live-action and animation would have better suited this film. Let’s be clear, there is animation present throughout the documentary, but it’s far too simple for a film of this nature. There’s always the possibility that the animation is rudimentary on purpose as a way to juxtapose what Krimes creates for viewers, but that’s unnecessary. Krimes is immensely talented, creating works of art unlike anything I’ve seen before–and it’s safe to say that regardless of what his art is up against, the world will see its beauty and its worth.
I’m rarely this blunt, but I didn’t care for much of Art & Krimes by Krimes–and the reality is that as a filmmaker, Nahmias knows that she will ruffle some feathers (and she shouldn’t lose any sleep over the fact that some people won’t love her film). The polarizing nature of what viewers see throughout Art & Krimes by Krimes is frustrating, but there’s a reason I stuck around (something more than my inability to shut a film off before I’ve seen it in its entirety). It’s a combination of Krimes' beautiful art and Director of Photography Marie Hinson’s impeccable talent. Not only does Krimes create truly breathtaking art–art that he’s had to really think outside of the box to create–but Hinson finds ways to showcase his creations in a way that viewers at home are able to appreciate. It’s sometimes hard to understand and/or appreciate three-dimensional art from somewhere other than in person–but Hinson captures the art in such a way that viewers are able to see it in its entirety, and viewers are able to appreciate all that Krimes creates.
If you’re looking for a feel-good documentary about art and second chances, you’ll get some of that. If you’re looking for a film that dabbles far too much in politics for seemingly no good reason, you’ll get a lot of that. Art & Krimes by Krimes has its issues for sure, and it’s frustrating that it veers from the promised topic. A documentary about art is what I came for, and it certainly wasn’t a total disappointment–but if that’s all you’re looking for, you may find it difficult to stick around.
Directed by Alysa Nahmias.
Starring Jesse Krimes, Jared Owens, Gilberto Rivera, Russell Craig, Cindy Krimes, Peg Krimes, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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