THE IMPRESSIONISTS

Producer/director Phil Grabsky continues his overview of great artists in The Impressionists, part of the Exhibition on Screen documentary series, which CCA is bringing back for a second run. Grabsky’s interviews with museum professionals and behind-the-scenes peeks into museum life buoy this new entry in the series. Based on the exhibit Discovering the Impressionists: Paul Durand-Ruel and the

New Painting at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the comprehensive film explores the challenges faced by Durand-Ruel, an early champion of the Impressionists, the artists’ poor reception in France and popularity in America, and Impressionism’s historical significance. Grabsky lets the art take center stage in revealing detail shots of works by Monet, van Gogh, and (love him or hate him) Renoir. Not rated. 91 minutes. Center for Contemporary Arts. (Michael Abatemarco)