Filmmakers Sam Cullman and Jennifer Grausman got to spend a lot of time with him. This means that not only do we, the viewers, get to see his working method and true talents as he paints, draws and reveals some of his secret techniques, but we are also delighted by seeing him at work as he constantly succeeds in fooling people into hanging his products on their walls in the most creative of ways and with brilliant disguises - for instance, by making up stories about a non existant sister or even by outrageously dressing up as a priest. In this sense, the flow and aura of Art and Craft represents this side of the story by almost retaining an important narrative fictional film approach that conveys the cinematic nature of Landis. Landis himself is a cinephile and not only does he constantly quote films but he also often reveals film and TV as an important influence in having shaped his ambitions and encouraged his profession as a self-declared Philantrophist.
The element of cinema is also utilised through sequences from the quoted films, a further fascinating narrative device that enriches the creativity of the documentary. Such creativity can also be noticed through the fictional structure of the film, the intertwining of different situations and an interview gimmick with a museum curator as well as an antagonist in the figure of a man who is essentially obsessed with tracking him down. However, aside from the fun and entertaining vibe of the film, it is remarkable how Cullman and Grausman remain sensible to Mark Landis and utilize a non-judgemental approach. This sensibility is quite evident in the more intimate sequences where the tone changes and Landis talks to the cameras about his beloved mother, or flicks through old photographs. We occasionally even see his periodical trips to the doctor, and hear him comment on his various mental conditions.
Art and Craft is fun, charming and delightful. There is never a dull moment in its whole duration - it remains interesting and some times fascinating throughout. Sometimes, it seems to channel such capers as Catch Me if You Can or an episode of one of Mark Landis' favourite shows The Saint. On top of that, its overall appeal is enhanced by a suited and rewarding finale that completes the overall vision and leaves the viewer with a final send off that is implied in the title - what is the difference between cratsmanship and art? And can art forgery as a whole be considered as performance art?
