Movies have the power to transport us to different worlds, evoke emotions we never thought possible, and even inspire us in unexpected ways. And when it comes to art, there’s no better medium than film to capture its beauty, complexity, and impact. With that in mind, let’s take a journey through some of the greatest movies about art ever made. From biopics to documentaries, these films not only showcase the works of some of the world’s most renowned artists, but also offer a glimpse into their personal lives and the struggles they faced on their creative journeys.
1. Manet and the Birth of Impressionism (2019)
Manet is a name that has become synonymous with Impressionism, the revolutionary art movement that changed the course of Western art. However, Manet himself was an enigma, choosing to distance himself from his fellow Impressionists such as Monet and Renoir. He was a man of contradictions – while he rejected traditional forms of art, he also refused to align himself with the very movement he helped inspire.
2. Asteroid City (2023)
In the small, sleepy town nestled in the American desert, 1955 was a year like no other. Every summer, the Junior Stargazer competition brought excitement and wonder to its residents, but this time it would be different. A chain of events that would shift the course of history forever was about to unfold.
3. Begin Again (2014)
The film, directed by the Academy Award-winning writer-director of Once, tells the story of a fallen record executive, played by Mark Ruffalo. His life takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with a talented singer-songwriter, portrayed by Keira Knightley. As their unlikely bond grows stronger, both individuals undergo a transformation that ultimately changes their lives forever.
4. Liberal Arts (2012)
Jesse Fisher was feeling stuck. After a recent break-up and years spent working in college admissions, he found himself living an unfulfilling and mundane existence. As an introvert, Jesse often preferred to lose himself in books rather than engage with the outside world. But within those pages, his mind would often wander back to his own college days at Ohio State University. The memories of late night talks and deep discussions, the campus buzz on game days, and the sense of camaraderie among students made him long for a time when life seemed simpler.
5. Velvet Buzzsaw (2019)
Set against the backdrop of the bustling Los Angeles art scene, Velvet Buzzsaw is a thrilling tale that delves deep into the complex intertwining of art, money, and power. The film follows the lives of big-name artists and wealthy collectors as they navigate through a world where creativity and commerce collide. With an all-star cast including Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, and Toni Collette, Velvet Buzzsaw is a mind-bending masterpiece that will leave viewers captivated from start to finish.
6. Paint (2023)
Renowned for his signature perm and captivating public TV tutorials, Carl Nargle quickly became Vermont’s top painter. With a custom van and adoring fans, he believed he had it all. That is until a younger, more talented artist appears on the scene and steals both his spotlight and his loved ones.
7. Abstract (2023)
Experience the captivating world of art and design in a whole new way with Netflix’s groundbreaking documentary series, Abstract: The Art of Design. Step into the minds of eight visionary individuals who have redefined what it means to create and innovate in their respective fields.
8. The Artist (2011)
In the bustling world of Hollywood, where fame and fortune reign supreme, two individuals crossed paths. One was a renowned silent movie star, known for their captivating and emotive performances on the silver screen. The other was a young dancer, bursting with energy and passion for their craft.
9. The Painter (2024)
A former CIA agent, once living a quiet life as an artist, is suddenly thrust back into the dangerous world of espionage when a woman from his past reappears. With his cover blown and his enemies hot on his trail, he must tap into the skills he thought he had left behind in order to survive.
10. Art of Love (2022)
In a world where love is constantly evolving, one must navigate the winding paths of romance and confront their own personal history. This is the premise of “Art of Love,” a thought-provoking film that challenges viewers to contemplate the complexities of human relationships.
