M.C. Escher: Journey to Infinity

Following a clunky introduction in which Graham Nash plays the world’s dullest fanboy and sound effects that are meant to emulate sketching make viewers pine for nails on a chalkboard, M.C. Escher: Journey to Infinity settles into a far more pleasant and productive groove.

Utilizing scenery and objects that inspired the innovative Dutch artist, plus his illuminating diary entries and correspondence (read by a jovial Stephen Fry), and the stunning illustrations themselves, Robin Lutz’s documentary delves into the master’s mind to thoroughly explore the logic behind Escher’s creativity.

The magical swirl of these cinematic elements is so strong that one impatiently waits for the next example whenever Lutz cuts to interviews with Escher’s now elderly children, who help shade in their father’s biography beyond his work, but feel like filler by comparison.

Speaking of filler: in his closing appearance, Nash goes out on a limb and, with sleepy conviction, predicts that his hero will soon be popular again. It’s an odd statement, in that those who hear his words are likely fellow card-carrying supporters, but if members of the uninitiated do happen to stumble upon this enchanting film, they’ll soon be babbling as goofily as him in extolling Escher’s greatness.

Grade: B. Not rated. Available to rent starting Feb. 5 via grailmoviehouse.com

(Photo: Zeitgeist Films)