Boogie Woogie is a 2009 satire film directed by Duncan Ward and based on the book of the same name written by Danny Moynihan. The cast includes an ensemble of talented actors such as Gillian Anderson, Alan Cumming, Stellan Skarsgard, Joanna Lumley, Heather Graham, and Christopher Lee. The movie offers a glimpse into the cutthroat world of contemporary art, showcasing the interplay of money, power, and greed among the artists, collectors, and dealers.
Set in London, the movie follows the lives of a group of individuals involved in the art world, each navigating their own set of moral dilemmas. The film highlights the world of gallery owners Karen (Gillian Anderson) and Bob (Stellan Skarsgard), who are attempting to stage a significant exhibition by securing a famous painting by the reclusive painter Joachim (Christopher Lee). At the same time, the art dealer Art Spindle (Danny Huston) tries to sell a fake Mondrian to the wealthy collector Dewey (Alan Cumming), who in turn, is trying to outbid other collectors to lay his hands on the coveted artwork.
Other notable characters include an artist named Elaine (Jaime Winstone), who is juggling her relationship with an older collector (Alan Corduner) and her ambition to become a successful artist, and Jo (Heather Graham), a trophy girlfriend who sees her art as a means to get out of her relationship. As the story unfolds, selfish motives collide, love affairs erupt, and alliances are tested, leading to a comedic and often absurd ending.
Boogie Woogie is a sharp and witty film that exposes the pretensions and excesses of the art world. With a cast of well-known actors, the movie delivers moments of darkness, satire, and humor, while offering a poignant commentary on themes such as authenticity, ambition, and sacrifice.