Movie Review - Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed

Director: Joshua Rofé
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 92 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Bob Ross, Steve Ross, Vicky Ross, John Thamm, Gary Jenkins, Kathwren Jenkins, Sally Schenck, Dana Jester, Ian Bourland, Julia Friedman

Description: Bob Ross brought joy to millions as the world’s most famous art instructor. But a battle for his business empire cast a shadow on his happy trees.

Review: Art instructor Bob Ross, who died in 1995, is one of the few universally loved world icons that ever lived. Completely unencumbered, he is even embraced by new generations.
No worries, you will still love Bob Ross after this documentary. The film does have some shocking revelations, but for the most part, those events are not the fault of the painter, who made thousands of paintings on camera from 1983 to 1994 in “The Joy of Painting”. In fact, you’ll probably only grow to love the soft-spoken Bob Ross even more.
The first half of “Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed” is mostly a general introduction to the American’s life and success. He began as a soldier in the Air Force, but Bob Ross had an early aptitude for painting. With the rise of TV painters (yes, that was a thing in the 80s), he saw an opportunity to offer his painting skills nationwide. He began working with business partners Annette and Walt Kowalski. This led to much success, but also problems.
Family, friends and colleagues speak at length and paint a wonderful picture of what Bob Ross was like outside the studio. Of course he was a man with his quirks; for example, he had a complicated relationship with his son, who is perhaps an even better painter, and there was also talk of an affair. But it all remains fairly wholesome. That’s good news for Bob Ross fans, though: he really was that peaceful, nice guy who wanted to teach everyone the joy of painting.
The second half of the documentary shows us some dark sides. The Kowalskis ran Bob Ross’s company rock-hard and with an army of lawyers under their command. Arguments while Bob was on his deathbed, lawsuits against the family, plagiarism, forgery, intimidation, attacks on other TV painters. When you see Bob Ross merchandise, you will probably not buy it after seeing this film, because Ross’ family doesn’t benefit from it one bit.
I’ve always loved Bob Ross, and his instruction videos always had a relaxing effect on me. And he truly is one of the kindest, good-hearted famous people. I was afraid that this documentary would ruin that for me, but I’m glad it didn’t. “Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed” tries to give a balanced picture of the life of the painter, but is therefore not always fascinating. Nevertheless, it’s still an interesting film to watch to see why Bob Ross still deserves his wholesome status.

Rating: 3,5/ 5