What are the best movies about artists?
There are many great movies about artists that offer a glimpse into the creative process, the struggles of the artist, and the impact of their work on society. I don’t know if watching movies about famous artists makes us more or less vital in the society as it seems that all eyes go the top tier of the art market while the rest of artists deal with indifference, low pay and a lack of art appreciation in society. Perhaps, these movies do leave an impact on our understanding and appreciation of artists who often try to reflect on the world we all live in. After all, most artists don’t have Money as a motivation to produce art, yet artists have to play a game in a consumer-driven world trying to be more visible, making a living as artists and not baristas.
Here are some of the best movies and documentaries about artists in no particular order:
- Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003): This historical drama is based on the novel by Tracy Chevalier and explores the relationship between Vermeer and his fictional muse, Griet. The film features Scarlett Johansson as Griet and Colin Firth as Vermeer.
- Tim’s Vermeer (2013): This documentary explores the theory that Vermeer may have used a camera obscura to create his paintings. Inventor Tim Jenison attempts to recreate one of Vermeer’s paintings using this method and the film follows his process. It’s a must-see documentary for every artist who learns classical painting techniques.
- Frida (2002): This biographical drama tells the story of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, who was known for her powerful and expressive self-portraits. The film explores her relationship with her husband, fellow artist Diego Rivera, and her struggles with physical pain and political turmoil. Frida has become a brand in the US with almost all art museums rolling out shows about Frida like there are no other women artists deserving even a fraction of attention. It seems the fact because of all the drama and tragedy in Frida’s life. The movie is really good, however but not for a movie night with a kid.
- Loving Vincent (2017): This unique film is the first fully painted feature film, with every frame of the movie a hand-painted oil painting. It tells the story of the life and mysterious death of Vincent van Gogh, one of the most famous artists in history. The moving images in painted pictures are fascinating to watch! Also, this movie is wonderful to show to kids.
5. Basquiat (1996): This biographical drama tells the story of Jean-Michel Basquiat, an artist who rose to fame in the 1980s New York art scene. His art is in a stratosphere selling for millions today. While I’m not going to explore the hidden truths about corruption in the art market, this documentary gives a good idea into his life and how he made it in the art world. The film explores his early life, his friendship with Warhol who helped him launch his career, and his struggles with drug addiction.
6. Pollock (2000): This biographical drama tells the story of American abstract expressionist painter Jackson Pollock. The film explores his rise to fame, his artistic process, and his struggles with alcoholism and mental health issues. If you know nothing about the artist’s life, this movie does offer a satisfying experience showing what it often feels like to be an artist.
7. Mr. Turner (2014): This biographical drama tells the story of British artist J.M.W. Turner, who is known for his landscapes and seascapes. The film explores his personal life, his relationship with his father, and his evolution as an artist.
8. “Big Eyes” (2014) is a really good biographical drama film directed by Tim Burton and starring Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz. The film tells the story of artist Margaret Keane, who painted popular portraits of children with big, saucer-like eyes. However, her husband Walter Keane claimed credit for her work, leading to a legal battle over the authorship of the paintings. The film explores the complex and sometimes disturbing relationship between Margaret and Walter, as well as the societal pressures that kept Margaret from speaking out about her work for many years. It also delves into the commercialization of art and the exploitation of artists that often follows. “Big Eyes” gives a very good insight into a life of an artist and how the commercial side of it is very different from the art itself – the issue a lot of artists struggle with today. The film was nominated for several awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Actress (Drama) for Adams. It’s a well-crafted movie with excellent performances, drama and tension between a husband and wife.
9. “The Price of Everything” (2018) is an HBO documentary film directed by Nathaniel Kahn that explores the contemporary art world and the value of art in today’s society. The film features interviews with artists, collectors, dealers, and auction specialists, as well as footage from art fairs, auctions, and exhibitions. The film examines how the art market operates and how artworks are assigned their value. It also raises questions about the commodification of art and the tension between art as a creative endeavor and art as a financial investment ( that leads to corruption in the art market). Some of the key figures featured in the film include Jeff Koons, Gerhard Richter, Larry Poons, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, and Amy Cappellazzo. The film provides an insightful and thought-provoking look at the contemporary art world and the complex issues surrounding the valuation and exchange of art. “The Price of Everything” was nominated for several awards, including a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Arts and Culture Documentary.
10. “Egon Schiele: Death and the Maiden” is a 2016 biographical drama film directed by Dieter Berner, which explores the life and work of Austrian painter Egon Schiele who died of Spanish flue being just 28 years of age. The film follows Schiele’s life from his early years in Vienna to his rise as an influential figure in the Expressionist movement, and focuses on his relationships with his muses and models, as well as his artistic process and friendship with famous artist Gustav Klimpt. The film is notable for its visual style, which seeks to replicate Schiele’s distinctive aesthetic through a combination of live-action footage, animation, and computer-generated imagery. Overall, “Egon Schiele: Death and the Maiden” is an interesting exploration of the life and work of one of the most controversial and provocative artists of the early 20th century. The film offers a unique perspective on Schiele’s art and the social and cultural context in which it was created, and is worth watching for fans of biographical dramas and art history. The movie is in German language and has a lot of nudity making it not suitable to watch with children.
11. “M.C. Escher: journey to infinity” is a beautiful documentary film about the life and work of Dutch artist Maurits Cornelis Escher. It’s available for free on YouTube. Directed by Robin Lutz, the film explores Escher’s unique artistic vision and his influence on modern art and mathematics. Escher is best known for his intricate prints and drawings that depict impossible geometric shapes, optical illusions, and tessellations. He was fascinated by mathematics and used it as a tool to create his art. Through interviews with experts in the field of art history and mathematics, as well as archival footage and images of Escher’s work, the film provides insight into the artist’s creative process and his impact on the art world. The film also delves into Escher’s personal life, including his early years in Holland, his travels to Italy and Spain, and his later years in Switzerland. It features interviews with Escher’s sons, as well as artists, mathematicians, and curators who have studied and exhibited his work. “M.C. Escher: Journey to Infinity” premiered at the 2020 International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) and has since been released in theaters and on streaming platforms. It is a visually stunning and informative tribute to one of the most fascinating and influential artists of the 20th century.
Some other movies to consider:
There are a few other movies that focus on the life and work of Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer.
- The Music Lesson (1999): This short film directed by Jean-Pierre Gorin is inspired by Vermeer’s painting of the same name. The film explores the relationship between a woman and a music teacher and features a re-creation of the painting.
- The Art of Painting (1993): This short film by Peter Greenaway explores Vermeer’s painting of the same name. The film presents a detailed analysis of the painting and the symbolism within it.
“Woman in Gold” (2015): While not strictly a biopic of Klimt, this drama film directed by Simon Curtis tells the story of Maria Altmann (played by Helen Mirren), a Jewish refugee who seeks to reclaim a painting by Klimt that was stolen from her family by the Nazis during World War II. The painting in question is “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I,” also known as the “Woman in Gold,” which is now housed in the Neue Galerie in New York City. “Woman in Gold” examines the political and historical context of one of his most famous paintings and doesn’t have that much focus on Klimpt’s personal life. It also lacks drama and pace to call it great.
“Nightwatching” is a 2007 biographical drama film directed by Peter Greenaway, which explores the life and work of Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn. The film focuses on the creation of Rembrandt’s famous painting “The Night Watch,” and the events that led up to its creation. The film presents a fictional account of Rembrandt’s life, and portrays him as a complex and tortured artist struggling with his relationship with his wife, his mistress, and his patrons. The film also examines the political and cultural climate of Amsterdam in the 17th century, and how it influenced Rembrandt’s work. “Nightwatching” received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its visual style and creative approach to storytelling, while others criticized its slow pacing and lack of coherence. Not sure this film is that great but if you’re a die-hard fan of Rembrandt, it might be your thing.
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