Loris Greaud’s Experimental Film ‘Sculpt’ Starring Willem Dafoe Now at LACMA

Sandra Miska

French conceptual installation artist and filmmaker Loris Greaud’s first feature-length film, the social science fiction themed “Sculpt,” produced exclusively for LACMA and as Greaud’s first major West Coast exhibition, will play indefinitely at the Bing Theater.

Those who view “Sculpt” should expect anything but a typical movie-going experience. Greaud made four versions of the film, different for each person who sees it. All four versions tell the same story, but differ in pacing, script and sequence of events. Each viewer will be treated to a unique encounter in an immersive environment.

“Sculpt” follows the thoughts of man (Willem Dafoe) about whom little information is given. In his quest to study beauty, thought and obsession he experiments on multiple subjects, with little regard for the long-term effects. The film depicts an international market organized around new shapes and experiences, all highly sought after due to their almost unattainable status. Greaud shot the entire film in red, giving it a Hell-like feel, with a cast that also includes Charlotte Rampling and Michael Lonsdale.

Like his protagonist, Greaud himself is a shadowy figure. Throughout his career, he has never allow his biography to be published, although it is known that he was born in Eaubonne, France in 1979. He rarely appears in group shows, instead preferring to develop his own personal projects. His exhibitions have been displayed at museums and galleries all over the world, including Paris’ Palais de Tokyo, London’s ICA, and the Dallas Contemporary. In 2014, he was appointed as a Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres), an award given by the Ministry of Culture in France.

“Sculpt” will be screened daily in the Bing Theater. Free tickets will be released every morning, except for on Wednesdays when the museum is closed.

The film “Sculpt” by Loris Greaud will be screened beginning Aug. 16 until an undetermined date at LACMA’s Bing Theater.