Artist paints vivid picture of relationship

By Gary M. Kramer
PGN Contributor
© 2008 Gary Kramer and Philadelphia Gay News

“Chris & Don: A Love Story” documents the 30-year relationship between writer Christopher Isherwood (his novel “I am a Camera” was the basis for “Cabaret”) and his partner Don Bachardy, who was 30 years his junior. The film, which incorporates Isherwood’s diaries, home movies, photographs and interviews, as well as Bachardy’s scrapbooks, drawings and paintings, is an intimate and affectionate portrait of the men, who were together for decades during an era when it was daring to be an openly gay couple.

One essential bond between the two men — whose love is adoringly depicted via animated sequences involving a surrogate horse and a cat — is the house they shared in Santa Monica, where PGN was invited to interview Bachardy earlier this year. The small hillside rancher is filled with books and artwork on every wall — David Hockney collages and Duane Michaels photographs, as well as various and plentiful portraits of nude men. The garage has been converted to an atelier for Don.

A distinguished gentleman, whose British accent is something he “mimicked” from Isherwood, Bachardy opened the door of his home dressed almost entirely in blue. His wiry frame was draped in a blue linen shirt, his blue jeans held up by a blue leather belt. Even his socks, which sport yellow dollar signs on them, were blue.

The artist began our interview explaining how he was approached to be in the documentary. “I did it just as a favor to Guido [Santi, the co-director],” he said, adding that he never believed the film would actually happen. Bachardy’s interviews in the film describe his meeting Chris and their life together through Isherwood’s death and beyond.

“Because I liked the filmmakers and I was at ease with them, I was much more candid than I would have been with any filmmaker I didn’t know well,” Bachardy said, almost wistfully. “The older I get, the more my life becomes like an open book. I used to be much more private and much less forthcoming, but it matters much less the older I get, and why keep things from people?”

Almost as if to prove his point, the artist launched into a randy story comparing the penis sizes of Isherwood and a handsome man named Alex, as well as his sexual experiences with both of them.

But Bachardy’s stories are not all naughty. He talked with animation about the famous people he’s painted over the years: Bette Davis, whom the movie-mad Bachardy worshipped in his youth; actress Teri Garr; and costumer Edith Head, as well as former California Gov. Jerry Brown, for whom he was commissioned to paint the official portrait that hangs in the state capitol.

As “Chris & Don” shows, Bachardy’s life with Isherwood included meetings with many famous men, such as posing for artist Hockney — there is a “Hockney Hallway” in the house — and smoking hashish with Paul Bowles.

Perhaps none of this would have been possible for Bachardy without knowing Isherwood, and the artist acknowledged this. “I’ve had an insanely lucky life.”

When pressed about his “luck,” and what may account for being in the right place and the right time or knowing the right people, he demurred, “Luck is luck. I can’t tell you that I deserved it more than anybody else.”

One of the most poignant episodes in “Chris & Don” involves Bachardy painting Isherwood as the latter was dying. “It wasn’t death Chris was afraid of, but dying. His dying was something we were doing together,” the artist said, indicating that painting Chris was a way for Don to be with him as much as possible.

“We had already established the habit of sittings. He was my first live sitter. It was his suggestion that he offer himself to me as a subject.”

The paintings, which are exhibited in the film, are among the artist’s best. A visit to the atelier shows the last canvas Bachardy painted of his lover, and it is masterful. Isherwood sports a blue shirt that is painted in such a way that it causes his soulful visage to float. It is a haunting, beautifully realized work.

The artwork and books that surrounded the artist and visitors to his home were constant, almost nagging reminders of Isherwood, but Bachardy enjoys having them everywhere.

“What a wonderful thing to be reminded of [Chris]. This house is packed with memories. He is very much with me still. I cultivate his presence. It is a very essential part of my life,” he said. “Whenever I need encouragement and strength, I think about him — I can’t despair.”

Bachardy revealed that making “Chris & Don” was more enjoyable and therapeutic than cathartic or painful. The film is a joyous celebration of a life lived and shared by two men very intensely and immensely in love.

“Chris was a mentor and guide,” the artist said. “Of all the gifts he gave me, to find and follow my vocation was the greatest.”

Looking around Bachardy’s home provides a testament to this and the men’s life together. “Chris & Don: A Love Story” provides this same testament to viewers.