Stephen Saito Moveable Fest Nov 1, 2018

Even those who might not understand the enigmatic figure at first will be fascinated, but for those who appreciated his daring, a deeply rewarding portrait awaits.

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Sean Mulvihill FanboyNation.com Oct 31, 2018 3.5/5

Burden pays homage to an unusual artist and his unusual art that is both willing to be critical and analytical of its subject.

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Morgan Rojas Cinemacy Aug 6, 2018

In this compelling portrait, filmmakers Richard Dewey and Timothy Marrinan delve deep into the artist's past for a glimpse into the eclectic and eccentric life of Chris Burden.

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Neely Swanson Easy Reader (California) Sep 15, 2017

... the film is at its best as it begins to explore the direction in which he travelled.

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Todd Jorgenson Cinemalogue Jun 2, 2017

Even those who dismiss Burden's art can still admire this straightforward documentary that chronicles his life and career

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Jo Livingstone The New Republic May 22, 2017

Burden does a sterling job.

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Amy Taubin Artforum May 12, 2017

Burden may be light on art history, but it does suggest the transformation of the artist's work from the body confined to the spirit released and taking flight.

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Jeanne Kaplan Kaplan vs. Kaplan May 11, 2017

"Burden" is brilliantly informative and so utterly engrossing.

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David Kaplan Kaplan vs. Kaplan May 11, 2017

Was he brilliant, or crazy, or maybe some of both? One thing is certain from watching "Burden" --- he was definitely not cut from the same cloth as most people.

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Sheri Linden Los Angeles Times May 11, 2017

The filmmakers are concerned more with career trajectory than personal history, and though they don't sugarcoat the bouts of troubling behavior, their affection for Burden is evident.

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J. R. Jones Chicago Reader May 11, 2017

This engrossing documentary profile of Los Angeles artist Chris Burden, who died in 2015, focuses mainly on his notorious performance pieces.

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Joshua Rothkopf Time Out May 10, 2017 5/5

An epic, often funny testament to creative fearlessness.

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Betty Jo Tucker ReelTalk Movie Reviews May 9, 2017

'Burden' gave me my first exposure to Chris Burden's artistic accomplishments. While shocked by some of his disturbing early work, I am now a fan of his incredible art installations.

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Edward Porter Sunday Times (UK) May 8, 2017 3/5

[An] informative biographical piece.

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Simran Hans Observer (UK) May 7, 2017 3/5

This inquisitive, textured documentary pairs his drug-addled youth with the most controversial era of his career but wisely avoids hagiography by refusing to make value judgments regarding his best work.

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Charlotte O'Sullivan London Evening Standard May 5, 2017 4/5

The Seventies footage is electrifying. But what makes this documentary special is that it doesn't put its subject on a pedestal.

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Peter Bradshaw Guardian May 5, 2017 4/5

It is a little reticent about his private life - but a persuasive, stimulating work.

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Dave White TheWrap May 5, 2017

Careful not to deify the man, Marrinan and Dewey balance their clear love of their subject with a sobriety that elevates it beyond the usual artist-doc hagiography.

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Kevin Maher The Times (UK) May 5, 2017 4/5

The performance artist, sculptor and Seventies counter-cultural figure Chris Burden is the subject of this fascinating documentary that manages, somehow, to create a sympathetic portrait of an often (on this evidence anyway) unsympathetic artist.

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Linda Marric HeyUGuys May 5, 2017 4/5

The film manages to strike a good balance between hero-worship and honest criticism without ever sounding disingenuous.

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