Films about beauty explore the concept of beauty in various forms – inner beauty, physical beauty, societal standards of beauty, and the impact of beauty on individuals and society. These films often delve into the complexities and contradictions surrounding beauty, challenging viewers to question their perceptions and values.
“American Beauty”, 1999
Director: Sam Mendes
This film follows the lives of several characters in a suburban neighborhood, exploring themes of beauty, desire, and societal expectations.
Starring: Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Wes Bentley, Mena Suvari, Peter Gallagher, Allison Janney, Chris Cooper, Scott Bakula, Sam Robards;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 122 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;
More information about the film “American Beauty” on the website imdb.com
“Black Swan”, 2010
Director: Darren Aronofsky
This psychological thriller follows a ballerina as she strives for perfection and beauty in her performance, delving into the dark side of the pursuit of beauty.
Starring: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Barbara Hershey, Winona Ryder, Sebastian Stan, Toby Hemingway, Benjamin Millepied, Ksenia Solo, Kristina Anapau;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: drama, thriller;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 103 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Black Swan” on the website imdb.com
“The Neon Demon”, 2016
Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
This horror film explores the cutthroat world of the fashion industry and the obsession with physical beauty, showcasing the dangers and consequences of pursuing external beauty at any cost.
Starring: Elle Fanning, Karl Glusman, Jena Malone, Bella Heathcote, Abbey Lee, Desmond Harrington, Christina Hendricks, Keanu Reeves, Charles Baker, Jamie Clayton;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama, thriller, horror;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,1;
“The Age of Adaline”, 2015
Director: Lee Toland Krieger
This romantic fantasy film follows a woman who stops aging after a mysterious accident, exploring the concept of eternal beauty and the impact of time on beauty.
Starring: Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, Kathy Baker, Harrison Ford, Ellen Burstyn, Amanda Crew, Lynda Boyd, Hugh Ross, Richard Harmon, Fulvio Cecere;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, melodrama, fantasy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 113 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
“The Shape of Water”, 2017
Director: Guillermo del Toro
This fantasy romance film tells the story of a mute woman who falls in love with a mysterious aquatic creature, challenging traditional notions of beauty and love.
Starring: Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Octavia Spencer, Michael Stuhlbarg, Doug Jones, David Hewlett, Nick Searcy, Stewart Arnott, Nigel Bennett;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: science fiction, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 123 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “The Shape of Water” on the website imdb.com
“Beauty and the Beast”, 1991
Director: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise
This live-action adaptation of the classic fairy tale explores themes of inner beauty, love, and acceptance, emphasizing the importance of looking beyond appearances.
Starring: Robby Benson, Jesse Corti, Rex Everhart, Angela Lansbury, Paige O'Hara, Jerry Orbach, Bradley Pierce, David Ogden Stiers, Richard White, Jo Anne Worley;
Production year: 1991;
Genre: animation, musical, fantasy, melodrama, family;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 84 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Beauty and the Beast” on the website imdb.com
“The Bling Ring”, 2013
Director: Sofia Coppola
This crime film follows a group of teenagers who break into the homes of celebrities to steal luxury items, highlighting society's obsession with material wealth and external beauty.
Starring: Israel Broussard, Katie Chang, Emma Watson, Taissa Farmiga, Claire Julien, Gavin Rossdale, Georgia Rock, Leslie Mann, Carlos Miranda, Stacy Edwards;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 87 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,6;
In exploring the theme of beauty through a diverse selection of films, it becomes evident that beauty is not just skin deep but a multifaceted concept that encompasses inner qualities, societal standards, and personal perceptions. From the visually stunning portrayals in “The Great Gatsby” to the raw and transformative journey of self-discovery in “Girl, Interrupted,” each film offers a unique perspective on the complexities of beauty. Ultimately, these films remind us that true beauty lies in embracing individuality, vulnerability, and empathy, challenging us to redefine our understanding of beauty and appreciate its presence in the ordinary and extraordinary aspects of life.
