For art lovers and enthusiasts, movies related to art and artists are a great way to spend a Friday evening. From biopics to fictional films, the movie industry has produced a vast array of films spanning various genres that provide insights into notable artists, their lives, works, and inspiration.
Here are some recommendations for top movies related to art, which will certainly appeal to the art lover in you:
1. Loving Vincent (2017)
This is the world's first-ever painted film, and it brings to life the renowned Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh's final days through 65,000 paintings created by more than 100 artists. The film depicts the life of Van Gogh's travels, struggles, and relationships to his family and fellow artists.
2. Frida (2002)
This biographical drama depicts the life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, and her struggles, passions, and accomplishments as an artist and woman during the early 20th century. The movie features Salma Hayek in the lead role, and it offers an insight into Kahlo's paintings and political views.
3. Mr. Turner (2014)
This biographical drama portrays the life of the great English Romantic painter J.M.W. Turner, whose evocative paintings inspired the Romantic art movement. Directed by Mike Leigh, the film showcases not only Turner's artistic processes but also delivers a great reflection on his relationships, personal life, and evolving art through the 19th century.
4. Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003)
Directed by Peter Webber, this movie offers an immaculate portrayal of celebrated Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer. Starring Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth, the movie depicts an imagined relationship with the artist and his muse for one of his most famous paintings, The Girl with a Pearl Earring.
5. Pollock (2000)
This movie covers the life and times of celebrated American Abstract Expressionist Jackson Pollock. Ed Harris both directs and stars in this distinctive biopic, which showcases Pollock's tumultuous personal life, his struggle with alcoholism, and his attempts to make a masterpiece that reflected his personality.
6. Woman in Gold (2015)
This movie portrays the story of Maria Altmann, an elderly Jewish refugee played by Helen Mirren, who tried to reclaim from the Austrian government the Gustav Klimt painting of her aunt Adele Bloch-Bauer that had been looted by the Nazis. Ryan Reynolds is also featured as Altmann's lawyer. The movie is a perfect example of the intersection between art and historical events.
7. The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (2021)
This biographical drama portrays the life and work of British artist and illustrator Louis Wain. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, the movie highlights Wain's unique and imaginative drawings of anthropomorphized cats, as well as his battle with mental illness and his legacy in the art world.
8. Big Eyes (2014)
This biographical drama tells the story of painter Margaret Keane, who created a series of hauntingly realistic images of children with huge, expressive eyes. The movie highlights Keane's struggles to gain recognition for her work and earn credit for her artistic accomplishments, which were initially attributed to her husband.
9. El Greco (2007)
This biographical drama showcases the life of the renowned Greek painter Domenikos Theotokopoulos, also known as El Greco. Directed by Yannis Smaragdis, the film highlights El Greco's journey from Crete to Venice and finally to Toledo, Spain, where he created his famous works of art.
10. Moulin Rouge! (1952)
Directed by John Huston, this musical celebrates the life and times of French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, who painted many of the iconic posters advertising the Moulin Rouge. The film showcases his journey as an artist and how he navigates his way through the bohemian art scene of turn-of-the-century Paris. As a biopic, Moulin Rouge! provides a glimpse into Toulouse-Lautrec's inspirations, struggles, and relationships with the people around him. The film also features vibrant performances by the cast, including Jose Ferrer as Toulouse-Lautrec and Zsa Zsa Gabor as Jane Avril, the star dancer of the Moulin Rouge.
Whether you are an art lover or just someone who enjoys experiencing new cinema, these movies related to art and artists are perfect for a Friday evening, providing entertainment, insight, and stimulation.
