[Spoilers Here] I often like films w/ an open-ended ending, and I liked High Art. Query: What do you think Syd's career options were at the end? Lucy's photography probably got a posthumous bump. Syd edited --and was the subject of-- the successful cover piece. The film implies she no longer cares to work at Frame magazine. Your thoughts on what she would do? It would be interesting to hear from art world insiders, but all are welcome to reply.
shareI'm not an art world insider, but the executive editor didn't seem to have a problem with Syd's personal involvement with Lucy. In fact, it seemed to excite her. She didn't shame Syd for any ethical lapses. I think that Frame wanted a continuation of Lucy's work (sexy, *beep* dangerous) rather than the love-oriented portraits of Greta. The cover, following news of Lucy's death, would no doubt make Syd a Hipster celebrity of the type that her boyfriend ridicules her for. I think we see at the denoument that it's a hollow victory for Syd in that her first editing job will no doubt sell well ("it's a business, Syd"), but that she's lost both her boyfriend and her lover. She's probably gained respect from a certain faction of magazine editors for her careerism. She's no longer a synchophant and a critic, but a player at the center of the commerce of art. Art needs an edge to sell and Syd acquired that.
shareVery thoughtful comments and I mostly agree. I don't necessarily agree that Syd will be a player, not a critic. I think she could become a player, or a critic, it's largely up to her. You're right about the hollowness of her victory, given her losses. You're right too about her becoming a hipster celebrity with an edge, all of which would be helpful if she chooses to continue an art world career. In a way it could be read as a female coming-of-age story. Of course the vast majority of such stories have been about males. Kudos for highlighting "It's a business", probably the most important line of dialogue in the film. Thanks!
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