THE ART OF THE STEAL — New York Film Festival 47

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A history and art lesson in one, Don Argott's engrossing documentary is an in-depth exploration of an ongoing political scheme for the city of Philadelphia to inherit the precious art (valued at over $15 billion) owned and housed by the Barnes Foundation in Lower Merion, five miles from downtown Philadelphia.

Heavy.

"The Art of the Steal" lays out Albert C. Barnes's rags-to-riches story as a poor Philadelphia kid, born in 1922, who studied medicine and went on to amass the most impressive private art collection in the country.

Barnes was savvy enough to sell his high-value pharma business just before the stock market crash of 1929.

At his foundation, Barnes displayed his 181 Renoirs, 69 Cezannes, 59 Matisses, 46 Picassos, 16 Modiglianis, and seven van Goghs for the primary purpose of providing a teaching ground for art students.

It also provides a personalized museum experience for the common man to appreciate.

Political intrigue and money wrangling give way to full blown scandal as key players like the Pew Foundation resemble greedy corporate raiders using court rulings like ninja stars to defeat their already weakened opponent — in this case the museum's skeleton crew foundation board.

Here is a clear-eyed look into a white-collar crime against culture being committed at the time of this writing.

Not Rated 101 mins.