Face to Face: Don Bachardy

Incoming Editorial Team·Verified September 27, 2026

A revealing documentary that explores the vibrant life, work, and flamboyant personality of portrait artist Don Bachardy, focusing on his lifelong romantic partnership with novelist Christopher Isherwood. From their Santa Monica home, Bachardy spills vivid details on his sitters: how he got to touch Ginger Rogers' face, how Henry Fonda—who famously hated queers—eventually came around to pose for him, and how Governor Jerry Brown actually sat for his portrait 40 years ago, unlike Ronnie and Arnold. Bachardy's unique philosophy allows him to enter his sitters' lives, discern their personalities, and see straight into their souls. Yet, the emotional core and pinnacle of the documentary is his profound bond with Isherwood. During Isherwood's final six months, as he lay bedridden and dying right in front of him, Bachardy produced 448 black-paint portraits. Explaining that his paintbrush was in mourning, Bachardy offers a breathtaking, devastatingly pure expression of love and loss.