Freeze Frame: “At Eternity’s Gate” (R), “Maria by Callas” (PG), “Asher” (R)

A strong performance by Wilem Defoe is the main attraction of the eccentric biopic “At Eternity’s Gate,” the story of the last days in the life of Vincent Van Gogh. Filmmaker Julian Schnabel is also a renowned artist, so this ambitious arthouse entry may have special appeal to aesthetes.

While lofty pretentions aren’t a bad thing, Schnabel’s instance on herky-jerky camera work and glacial pace gets a little tiring. Individual scenes work beautifully, particularly a conversation Van Gogh has with a priest, played by Mads Mikkelsen, who must decide whether or not to release the troubled artist from an asylum.

But “At Eternity’s Gate” may be a bit too affected for its own good.

The most acclaimed operatic diva of her time is the subject of the documentary “Maria By Callas.” Footage from TV interviews and home movies allows Callas to tell her own story. Callas’ letters are read by famed soprano and KC native Joyce DiDonato. The film covers her insulated youth, her rise to fame, the heat of the spotlight and her on-and-off romance with Aristotle Onassis. “Maria by Callas” is intriguing even for non-opera fans.

Ron Perlman plays an aging hit man in “Asher,” a violent thriller that also stars Famke Janssen as a woman he falls for. While it’s competent, there are more than a few moments that stretch credibility and the whole affair seems a bit too familiar. “Asher” just misses the target.

Also opening this week, “Never-ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki” is a documentary about Japan’s most famous and acclaimed anime director. “The Mercy” is a drama that tells the true story of an amateur sailor’s disastrous attempt to win a solo around-the-world yacht race in 1968 in a desperate attempt to save his failing business with the cash prize. Oscar winners Colin Firth and Rachel Weisz star.

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