Films about folk artists usually revolve around the lives of musicians, singers, dancers, or painters who have contributed greatly to the preservation and development of traditional, regional, or rural art forms. These films often provide a glimpse into the life journeys of these artists, while also offering captivating visuals and sounds of their unique artistry, depicting their trials, tribulations, achievements and artistic journeys.
“Inside Llewyn Davis”, 2012
Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
An American black comedy-drama film, directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, follows the story of Llewyn Davis, a struggling folk singer in the 1960s New York.
Starring: Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Ethan Phillips, Robin Bartlett, John Goodman, Justin Timberlake, Max Casella, Garrett Hedlund, Jerry Grayson, F. Murray Abraham;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: drama, music;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 104 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
“Songcatcher”, 2000
Director: Maggie Greenwald
This drama film directed by Maggie Greenwald tells the story of a musicologist researching and collecting Appalachian folk music in the mountains of western North Carolina.
Starring: Janet McTeer, Michael Davis, Michael Goodwin, Gregory Russell Cook, Jane Adams, E. Katherine Kerr, Emmy Rossum, Pat Carroll, Stephanie Roth Haberle, Aidan Quinn, Bart Hansard, Erin Blake Clanton, David Patrick Kelly, Kristin Hall, Michael Harding, Taj Mahal, Muse Watson, Iris DeMent, Rhoda Griffis, Steve Boles, Taylor Hayes, Josh Goforth, Don Pedi, Sheila Kay Adams, Bobby McMillon, Hazel Dickens, Andrea Powell, Danny Nelson, David Ducey, Steven Sutherland, Shawn Lindsay;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama, music;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 109 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Songcatcher” on the website imdb.com
“Bound for Glory”, 1976
Director: Hal Ashby
This American biographical film directed by Hal Ashby, depicts the early life and career of folk singer Woody Guthrie.
Starring: David Carradine, Ronny Cox, Melinda Dillon, Gail Strickland, John Lehne, Ji-Tu Cumbuka, Randy Quaid, Elizabeth Macey, Susan Vaill, Sarah Vaill;
Production year: 1976;
Genre: biography, music, drama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 147 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Bound for Glory” on the website imdb.com
“Leadbelly”, 1976
Director: Gordon Parks
This film tells the story of Huddie Ledbetter, better known as Blues singer Leadbelly, his life, his music and his uncontrollable temper that led him in and out of prison.
Starring: Roger E. Mosley, James Brodhead, John McDonald, Leonard Wrentz, Ernie Hudson, Dana Manno, William Wintersole, Paul Benjamin, Lynn Hamilton, Carole Lamond;
Production year: 1976;
Genre: drama, biography, music;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 126 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Leadbelly” on the website imdb.com
“The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye”, 2011
Director: Marie Losier
This is a documentary that explores the relationship and shared artistic practices of Genesis P-Orridge and his late wife and collaborator, Lady Jaye, focusing on their Pandrogyne project.
Starring: Genesis P-Orridge, Lady Jaye Breyer P'Orridge, Big Boy Breyer P'Orridge, Edley Odowd, David Max, Alice Genese, Markus Persson, Bryin Dall, Lili Chopra, Tony Conrad;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: documentary, melodrama, biography, music;
Duration: 65 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye” on the website imdb.com
“Sweet Dreams”, 1985
Director: Karel Reisz
Based on the life of legendary country singer Patsy Cline, providing insight into her life, career, and her untimely death.
Starring: Jessica Lange, Ed Harris, Ann Wedgeworth, David Clennon, James Staley, Gary Basaraba, John Goodman, P.J. Soles, Terri Gardner, Caitlin Kelch;
Production year: 1985;
Genre: drama, biography, music;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 115 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Sweet Dreams” on the website imdb.com
“I Saw the Light”, 2015
Director: Marc Abraham
The film is a chronicle of country western singer Hank Williams' life, from his rise to fame to his tragic death at the age of 29.
Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Elizabeth Olsen, Bradley Whitford, Cherry Jones, Maddie Hasson, Wrenn Schmidt, David Krumholtz, Josh Pais, Wesley Robert Langlois, Joshua Brady;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography, music;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 123 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,8;
More information about the film “I Saw the Light” on the website imdb.com
In the exploration of films about folk artists, it becomes clear that the genre delves deeply into the heart of creativity, offering viewers a glimpse into the raw, unfiltered essence of artistic expression. These films, through their intimate portrayals of musicians, painters, and storytellers from various walks of life, not only celebrate the unrelenting spirit of creativity but also underscore the universal themes of struggle, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of beauty in a world that often overlooks the simplest forms of art. By bringing the stories of these often marginalized artists to the forefront, the films serve as a vibrant reminder of the power of art to inspire, to heal, and to bring communities together. They stand as testaments to the indefatigable human spirit, showcasing the ways in which folk art, in all its forms, continues to reflect the complexities of human experience, serving as a mirror to our collective soul.
