The Stolen Painting

Inspired by remarkable true events, acclaimed writer/director Pascal Bonitzer’s sharp and hugely engrossing new dramedy THE STOLEN PAINTING follows a self-assured auctioneer whose professional and personal integrity is challenged by the discovery of a long-lost masterpiece.

Paris, present day. Brash 40-something André Masson (César Award-winner Alex Lutz), a hotshot modern art appraiser at prestigious high-end auction house Scottie’s, receives word that a painting by Egon Schiele may have been found in a young factory worker’s home in the Alsatian city of Mulhouse.

Though highly sceptical, André travels to view the canvas with his ex-partner Bettina (the superb Léa Drucker, Custody) who is also an expert valuator, only to be convinced of its authenticity as a masterwork long assumed destroyed by Nazi officials during WWII. For André, the ramifications of this once-in-a-lifetime find for his career and for his contentious relationship with his less-than-reliable intern Aurore (Louise Chevillotte), will prove both unexpected and transformative.

Skilfully brought to life by an array of endearing and duplicitous characters, THE STOLEN PAINTING is a thrilling exploration of the often-cynical world of art dealing and collecting, where the jaw-dropping prices aren't always related to the rarity of the object or the desire of potential customers.

"One of my favourite films of the year. A sophisticated and compelling character study and mystery. So rich and well crafted... fascinating to watch. A cinematic chamber piece that's so worth your time. Wonderful."

Jason Di Rosso
ABC RADIO NATIONAL

"Entertaining. A gripping comedy about Nazi-looted art that satisfyingly interrogates the intricacies and personalities of that world... where everyone bends the truth to suit their needs and in which the marketplace value of a painting is determined by more than its artistic merits."

Stephen Romei
THE AUSTRALIAN

"A wry comedy. In the film’s scheme of things, art is first and foremost a business – but a business that involves playing the game of seduction. The film is filled with teasing false clues about where the story might be headed. But in the end, everything works out with the pleasing neatness of a fable."

Jake Wilson
THE AGE