Films about art explore the lives of artists, the creation and impact of their work, and the role of art in society. These films can span a range of genres, from biographical dramas and documentaries to comedies and thrillers. They often delve into the passions, struggles, and inspirations that drive artists to create, as well as the cultural and historical context surrounding their artwork. Here is a list of films that center around the theme of art:
“Frida”, 2002
Director: Julie Taymor
A biographical drama depicting the professional and private life of the surrealist Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, played by Salma Hayek. The film focuses on her artistic career, as well as her tumultuous relationship with fellow painter Diego Rivera.
Starring: Salma Hayek, Alfred Molina, Valeria Golino, Ashley Judd, Geoffrey Rush, Edward Norton, Saffron Burrows, Antonio Banderas, Diego Luna, Patricia Reyes Spíndola;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Frida” on the website imdb.com
“Girl with a Pearl Earring”, 2003
Director: Peter Webber
A film inspired by the famous painting of the same name by 17th-century Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer. It imagines a fictional relationship between the painter, played by Colin Firth, and a young maid in his house, played by Scarlett Johansson, who becomes the model for his iconic work.
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Colin Firth, Essie Davis, Tom Wilkinson, Judy Parfitt, Cillian Murphy, Joanna Scanlan, Alakina Mann, Chris McHallem, Gabrielle Reidy;
Production year: 2003;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Girl with a Pearl Earring” on the website imdb.com
“The Agony and the Ecstasy”, 1965
Director: Carol Reed
This historical drama stars Charlton Heston as Renaissance artist Michelangelo and Rex Harrison as Pope Julius II. The film focuses on the conflict between the two as Michelangelo begins work on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
Starring: Charlton Heston, Rex Harrison, Diane Cilento, Harry Andrews, Alberto Lupo, Adolfo Celi, Venantino Venantini, John Stacy, Fausto Tozzi, Maxine Audley;
Production year: 1965;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
Age: 0+;
Duration: 138 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “The Agony and the Ecstasy” on the website imdb.com
“Pollock”, 2000
Director: Ed Harris
A film that chronicles the life of American painter Jackson Pollock, known for his contributions to the abstract expressionist movement. Ed Harris directs and stars as Pollock, capturing his innovative painting style and troubled life.
Starring: Ed Harris, Marcia Gay Harden, Tom Bower, Jennifer Connelly, Bud Cort, John Heard, Val Kilmer, Robert Knott, Amy Madigan, Jeffrey Tambor;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 122 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Pollock” on the website imdb.com
“Big Eyes”, 2014
Director: Tim Burton
Directed by Tim Burton, this biographical film tells the story of American artist Margaret Keane—played by Amy Adams—whose husband, Walter Keane, played by Christoph Waltz, claimed credit for her paintings in the 1950s and 1960s. The film highlights her legal struggle to regain recognition for her work.
Starring: Amy Adams, Christoph Waltz, Danny Huston, Krysten Ritter, Jason Schwartzman, Terence Stamp, Jon Polito, Delaney Raye, Madeleine Arthur, James Saito;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, melodrama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 106 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
“Loving Vincent”, 2017
Director: DK Welchman, Hugh Welchman
An animated biographical drama about the life and mysterious death of Vincent van Gogh. Unique for its visual style, the film is composed of oil paintings done in the style of van Gogh, making it the first fully painted animated feature film.
Starring: Douglas Booth, Josh Burdett, Holly Earl, Robin Hodges, Chris O'Dowd, John Sessions, Helen McCrory, Eleanor Tomlinson, Aidan Turner, Saoirse Ronan;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: animation, biography, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 94 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
“Midnight in Paris”, 2011
Director: Woody Allen
While not exclusively about visual arts, this Woody Allen romantic comedy-fantasy features an aspiring writer played by Owen Wilson who magically travels back in time to the 1920s and meets iconic figures from the art world, including Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, and Henri Matisse.
Starring: Owen Wilson, Marion Cotillard, Rachel McAdams, Michael Sheen, Kathy Bates, Léa Seydoux, Kurt Fuller, Mimi Kennedy, Adrien Brody, Corey Stoll;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: fantasy, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 94 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “Midnight in Paris” on the website imdb.com
“Exit Through the Gift Shop”, 2010
Director: Banksy
Directed by the elusive street artist Banksy, this is a documentary that tells the story of Thierry Guetta, a French immigrant in Los Angeles, and his obsession with street art, eventually leading to the creation of his art persona, Mr. Brainwash.
Starring: Banksy, Mr. Brainwash, Shepard Fairey, Rhys Ifans, Debora Guetta, Space Invader, Monsieur André, Zeus, Ron English, Caledonia Curry;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: documentary, comedy, crime, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 87 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “Exit Through the Gift Shop” on the website imdb.com
“Basquiat”, 1996
Director: Julian Schnabel
A biopic starring Jeffrey Wright as Jean-Michel Basquiat, a New York City artist who rose from homelessness to fame and fortune, becoming a fast-rising star in the art world before his untimely death at the age of 27.
Starring: Jeffrey Wright, Michael Wincott, Benicio Del Toro, Claire Forlani, David Bowie, Dennis Hopper, Gary Oldman, Christopher Walken, Willem Dafoe, Jean-Claude La Marre;
Production year: 1996;
Genre: biography, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 107 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Basquiat” on the website imdb.com
These films highlight the diverse ways in which art and the lives of artists are portrayed in cinema, celebrating both the complexities of the creative process and the lasting impact of art on viewers and society.
In conclusion, films about art offer a compelling exploration into the creative process, the lives of artists, and the cultural context of their work. From biographical portrayals of renowned painters in “Frida” and “Pollock” to fictional dramas like “The Girl with a Pearl Earring” and “Basquiat,” these films provide a rich tapestry of emotion, conflict, and triumph. By blending visual storytelling with the luminous intensity of art, these movies not only immortalize the artists but also provoke introspection and understanding in audiences, making art more accessible and ultimately fostering a deeper appreciation for creativity in its myriad forms.
