Christo: Walking on Water (2018)

Directed by: Andrey Paounov | 105 minutes | documentary

Artist Christo (1935-) made fame with the packaging of the Reichstag building in Berlin, a commercial project carried out in 1995. That was still possible at the time, because the Reichstag was still under redevelopment. The American-Bulgarian Christo almost went bankrupt, and many other dream projects, such as a network of floating piers in Italy’s Lago Iseo, were postponed. Christo kept dreaming. This documentary is the reflection of the realization process in 2016, first of all in the administrative corridors. He is heard by his own desk as a stubborn old gentleman who ignores contradiction, but nobody seems to be able to refuse the amiable Christo much. Its floating piers are not only of symbolic or publicity interest, they connect the mainland with an island in Lake Lombard.

Italy welcomes Christo, from baker to mayor. When the floating material is tested on the heaving water, we see a child getting his first bicycle, Christo is so happy. Emozione, that’s what Italians like, and they speak English with a similar accent. ‘Christo: Walking on Water’ looks like a loving real life soap, with exemplary cello hum in the background. The viewer is transported into the danger-free universe of the artist. At a press conference, the ties sit behind a desk, with Christo gesticulating between them. The drivers have found their demigod and let him do it. Then we see Christo in the Sistine Chapel staring up at Michelangelo’s biblical scenes. Lago Iseo is the backdrop to the Mona Lisa, he says. The floating pontoons are laid, three kilometers in total length.

The personal assistant is at a loss, because ministries don’t think like artists. ‘Bella Italia’, Christo continues to shout. Italians like to hear that. Meanwhile, the administrative squabble goes past him. Lucky: Italians also like to walk on water, and don’t put salt on every snail like the Dutch do. ‘Christo: Walking on Water’ thus provides an insight into the Italian administrative culture, in which dreams have a greater place than agreements, so that great things are achieved. It is a long-term affair, because it can be haunted in the Lombardy Alps. As a detached building pastor, Christo is everywhere, and that is possible in Italy. Heartfelt disorganization, an artist can handle that, even if helicopters are involved in the construction and it is pouring rain.

Cellos pass into percussion. A villa hidden by acacia trees is surrounded by plastic pontoons, covered with yellow-orange canvas. Finished? Yes! The documentary is then just over halfway. What’s next? The fire brigade running to the opening location when the first crowds are already walking on water. That goes smoothly, although it is twice as many people as expected and they use the thing as a beach. Demigod Christo cannot believe it and is now a savior, so are Italians. And now say for yourself: who doesn’t want to walk on water? Until the price comes up. Mama Mia! And the safety, which Christo seems to be most concerned about. Then he leaves. Next destination: the desert of Abu Dhabi.