“Made You Look: A True Story About Fake Art”, 2020
Director: Barry Avrich
This documentary investigates one of the most extensive art frauds in American history, where a prestigious New York City gallery sold millions of dollars’ worth of forgeries traced back to a single source.
Starring: Ann Freedman, M.H. Miller, Perry Amsellem, Patricia Cohen, Luke Nikas, Eleanore De Sole, Blake Gopnik, Jack Flam, Charles Schmerler, Jeffrey Taylor;
Production year: 2020;
Genre: documentary, crime;
Age: 12+;
Duration: 94 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Made You Look: A True Story About Fake Art” on the website imdb.com
“The Painter and the Thief”, 2013
Director: Jack Lawrence
An extraordinary documentary that follows the unlikely friendship between Czech painter Barbora Kysilkova and Karl-Bertil Nordland, the man who stole her paintings from an Oslo gallery. The film explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the transformative power of art.
Starring: Michael Dale, Anjli Mohindra;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: short film, comedy, crime, adventure;
Duration: 21 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “The Painter and the Thief” on the website imdb.com
“Velvet Buzzsaw”, 2019
Director: Dan Gilroy
A satirical thriller set in the contemporary art world scene of Los Angeles, where big money artists and mega-collectors pay a high price when art collides with commerce. This film blends elements of horror with a critique of the art industry.
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Zawe Ashton, Tom Sturridge, Toni Collette, Natalia Dyer, Daveed Diggs, John Malkovich, Billy Magnussen, Alan Mandell;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: horror, thriller, detective, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 113 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,7;
More information about the film “Velvet Buzzsaw” on the website imdb.com
“Mank”, 2020
Director: David Fincher
Directed by David Fincher, this biographical drama follows the tumultuous development of Orson Welles' seminal masterpiece “Citizen Kane” through the eyes of its screenwriter, Herman J. Mankiewicz. While not directly about visual art, it's a film about the artistry and craft behind one of cinema's greatest works.
Starring: Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried, Lily Collins, Tom Pelphrey, Arliss Howard, Tuppence Middleton, Joseph Cross, Sam Troughton, Toby Leonard Moore;
Production year: 2020;
Genre: biography, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 131 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “Mank” on the website imdb.com
“Abstract: The Art of Design”, 2017
Director: Morgan Neville, Brian Oakes, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Richard Press
Though technically a documentary series, each episode profiles a different artist and explores their creative process, philosophy, and impact. From illustrators to architects, the series provides an intimate look at the minds behind groundbreaking designs and aesthetically profound art that influences everyday life.
Starring: Tinker Hatfield, Platon, Ian Spalter, Cas Holman, Tiffany Beers, Michael Jordan, Mark Parker, Michael Hainey, Elizabeth Semmelhack, Bobbito Garcia;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: documentary;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;
More information about the film “Abstract: The Art of Design” on the website imdb.com
“Exit Through the Gift Shop”, 2010
Director: Banksy
Directed by the elusive street artist Banksy, this documentary follows Thierry Guetta, a French immigrant in Los Angeles, and his obsession with street art. The film takes a surprising turn and questions the nature of art and its value.
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
“Cutie and the Boxer”, 2013
Director: Zach Heinzerling
This documentary focuses on the chaotic 40-year marriage of boxing painter Ushio Shinohara and his wife Noriko. The film is a reflection on sacrifice, ageing, and the nature of art and love.
Starring: Noriko Shinohara, Ushio Shinohara, Alex Shinohara, Ethan Cohen, Benjamin Thys;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: documentary, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 82 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Cutie and the Boxer” on the website imdb.com
“Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang”, 2016
Director: Kevin Macdonald
Offers a behind-the-scenes look at contemporary artist Cai Guo-Qiang, known for his gunpowder drawings and large-scale installations, culminating in his most ambitious project to date: the Sky Ladder.
Starring: Guo-Qiang Cai, Ian Buruma, Cai Wenyou, Cai Wenhao, Ben Davis, Jeffrey Deitch, Phil Grucci, Thomas Krens, Tatsumi Masatoshi, Orville Schell, Jennifer Wen Ma, Hong Hong Wu, Zhang Yimou;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: documentary;
Duration: 76 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang” on the website imdb.com
Please note, the availability of these films on Netflix can vary by country and over time. It’s always a good idea to check the current listings on Netflix or use the platform's search function to find the latest and most relevant films about art.
Concluding, the selection of films about art on Netflix offers a rich and varied exploration of the creative process, the struggles and triumphs of artists, and the profound impact that art has on society and the individual. These films, ranging from intimate documentaries to evocative biopics, not only provide a glimpse into the lives of artists from diverse backgrounds and eras but also challenge viewers to contemplate the nature of art itself. By showcasing stories of innovation, resilience, and passion, Netflix's curated collection serves as an inspiring testament to the indomitable spirit of artists and the transformative power of art. Whether you're an aficionado or a casual observer, these films promise to deepen your appreciation for the artistic endeavor and perhaps even ignite your own creative spark.
