A few nights ago, the newest member of the steve mckenzie’s team, Xavier Neuner, had the opportunity to attend the preview of the new movie, Woman in Gold, which will be out in theaters tomorrow.

Here’s a preview of the film, if you haven’t yet seen it:

As you can see, it’s a  heartfelt tale of justice, in terms of determining a piece of art’s rightful owner – a tale right up our alley!

Here’s what Xavier has to share with us about his experience previewing Woman in Gold…

Art around us:

Tuesday evening I had the privilege to see preview of the film “Woman in Gold” staring Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds and directed by Simon Curtis.  The film is based on the true story of Maria Altmann (Helen Mirren), a spitfire elderly Jewish refugee, who took on the Austrian government to recover a Klimt painting of her aunt that rightfully belongs to her family.

Working with the McKenzies, I recently had the opportunity to visit their beautiful home and learn the stories behind the artwork they’ve collected over the years:  paintings and sculptures Steve’s friends created for him; Steve’s own work that his children forbid him to sell; Family heirlooms that are perfectly placed on gorgeous antiques. I could not imagine, soldiers coming into your home and taking your keepsakes from you, distributing them all over the world and never seeing them again. Think what that may feel like…

This emotion driven “David vs. Goliath” story portrayed in this movie really opened my eyes to the fact that not only friends and families were uprooted but they were also separated from their priceless possessions. I walked out of the theater wondering how we as a society take art, architecture, and music for granted. Next time you find that special something to add in your home think about its history. Where did it come from? Who owned it before you? Why was it made? You never know what you might see.

To quote Helen Mirren’s character, Maria Altmann, “People see a masterpiece of one of Austria’s finest artists, but I see a picture of my aunt, a woman who use to talk to me about life.”

Thanks to Xavier for his fantastic write-up about this intriguing film! He strongly recommends it and shared that it was a real roller coaster of emotions and reflection on crimes against humanity.

Here’s to the movies!