"Showing Up": A Masterpiece of Artistic Portrayal and Talent.

"Showing Up" is a gentle and sometimes funny film by Kelly Reichardt, centering on the relationship between Lizzy, a sculptor, and her landlord and fellow artist, Jo. Lizzy is stuck and envious of Jo's hardiness and resilience, but doesn't realize that everyone moves at their own pace. The film explores the insular vibe and unspoken buzz of competition and envy in the small-town art scene of Portland. While the structure of the film may be a little too neat, Reichardt's piercing specificity and insights into the dynamics of the art scene are spot on.