Robert Mapplethorpe Documentary Hits Italian Theaters for One Day

The documentary 'Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures' (2016), directed by Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, was released in Italian cinemas for a single day on October 24, 2016, exclusively at The Space theaters. The film explores the life and work of Robert Mapplethorpe (1946–1989), a controversial figure in contemporary photography known for his unflinching depictions of sex, homosexuality, and fetishism. Through interviews with friends, models, family, and collaborators—notably Patti Smith, who shared a special bond with the photographer—alongside rare archival footage of Mapplethorpe himself, the documentary aims to move beyond the scandalous reputation of his images to reveal the honesty, purity, and formal elegance of his vision. The film runs 108 minutes, is rated for ages 14 and up, and is also available on demand via HBO.