A painter survived the blacklist while his brother went to prison—this is his untold story.
This documentary brings alive a remarkable artist’s passionate journey through a turbulent century. Both epic and surprisingly intimate, the film presents a classic American immigrant saga, an inspiring search for artistic independence, and a great romance. Along the way, Biberman's growing commitment to social justice and struggle against McCarthy-era repression (his brother, director Herbert Biberman, went to prison as one of The Hollywood Ten) combine with his efforts to create both a loving family life and a groundbreaking body of work. With its grand scope, rich personalities, and vast array of breathtaking artwork, Brush With Life connects us in a deeply personal way to a brilliant artist who lived by the same high standards he set for his paintings.
Cinematography
Stunning close-ups of Biberman's luminous, underappreciated paintings.
Direction
Kaufman weaves personal archive with political history deftly.
Director
Jeffrey Kaufman
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The Hollywood Ten's blacklist destroyed careers, but Edward Biberman's obscurity reveals how art itself was silenced.
Herbert Biberman directed Salt of the Earth (1954), the only blacklisted American feature—financed partly by selling Edward's paintings.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
US
