63
Metascore
11 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 83Christian Science MonitorPeter RainerChristian Science MonitorPeter RainerWhether you deem this project an extravagant boondoggle or a masterpiece, you have to admire Christo’s tenacity in finally making it happen, as chronicled in the documentary Walking on Water.
- 80VarietyJay WeissbergVarietyJay WeissbergThe artist’s forceful character does battle with technology, bureaucracy, corruption and the elements, resulting in an installation of stunning beauty and a documentary that delights in capturing the act of creation.
- 75Boston GlobeMark FeeneyBoston GlobeMark FeeneyThe documentary has a pleasing offhandedness. The same cannot be said of its subject. Christo, who turns 84 on June 13, is precise and highly directed.
- 70The New York TimesKen JaworowskiThe New York TimesKen JaworowskiWe spy on an artist who races around like a mad scientist, and who seems comically befuddled by technology. His passion is genuine, as is his sense of wonder.
- 70Los Angeles TimesMaria GarciaLos Angeles TimesMaria GarciaIt is when Paounov reveals Christo’s leonine qualities that Walking on Water achieves a rare authenticity.
- 70Film ThreatLorry KiktaFilm ThreatLorry KiktaWalking on Water is essential for any devotee of the arts, as this shows a project from fruition to dismantling, a full life cycle of an art installation if you will. I, for one, found it very fascinating.
- 63Washington PostMichael O'SullivanWashington PostMichael O'SullivanThe documentary might make you believe in miracles, considering how tedious — if not impossible — this interactive artwork comes across.
- 50The Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeThe Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeThough it starts uneventfully, the doc perks up in its second half, highlighting the kind of practical headaches nearly no other artist in the world has to contend with.
- 50RogerEbert.comGlenn KennyRogerEbert.comGlenn KennyWhat the viewer is not left short of is a whole lot of yelling and cursing in various languages as Christo’s collaborators and helpmates confront practically each and every crisis in a truculent panic. Art isn’t easy, we all know that. But does it also have to be this crazy?
- 50Austin ChronicleSteve DavisAustin ChronicleSteve DavisThe movie remains patchy as it continues to jump somewhat arbitrarily from day to day without fully realizing its subject matter. The one dependable constant in all of this is Christo himself. Smiling ecstatically one minute, despondently hangdog the next, he exhibits a genius lunacy on par with his life’s work.