5 Films About Famous Painters We Recommend Watching

Most famous artists were eccentric personalities who lived turbulent lives, so it is probably no surprise that some of them became an inspiration for cinema. As the long holiday weekend approaches, we have put together a list of films about art that not only faithfully convey the lives of painters (watching them, you can learn a great deal about the painters' personalities, the art world of their time, and the prevailing movements), but are themselves genuine works of art.

„Pollock“ (Pollock, 2000)

Painter Jackson Pollock became famous for his drip painting technique and is arguably the most renowned representative of abstract expressionism, while his life reads like a ready-made screenplay. Drama was in no short supply, both in his professional and personal life. The film brilliantly reveals his journey from a struggling young artist to a universally recognized painter, his long battle with alcoholism, and finally his tragic death. The leading role was played by Ed Harris, who was nominated for an Oscar for it. The Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in this film went to his colleague Marcia Gay Harden, who played Pollock's wife. Ed Harris was also the film's director – the idea was born in his mind after his father gave him a biography of Pollock as a gift, but it only materialized ten years later. As a result, filming took only 50 days, although a six-week break had to be taken so that Ed Harris could grow a beard and gain 13 kilograms in time for the end of the film.

„Frida“ (Frida, 2002)

Frida Kahlo's life was tragic, but her example is inspiring – at the age of eighteen she was involved in a tram accident that changed her life forever, but while lying in her sickbed she discovered her talent for painting. The film wonderfully conveys Frida's love of life, her difficult relationship with her husband Diego Rivera, a famous muralist with strong communist sympathies, her affair with the Russian politician Leon Trotsky, her sister's betrayal, and, finally, the recognition the painter earned. Although Madonna was very keen to play Frida, the role went to Salma Hayek, who looks absolutely stunning in the film wearing traditional South American dress.

„Girl with a Pearl Earring“ (Girl With a Pearl Earring, 2003)

The film depicts the story behind the creation of Johannes Vermeer's very famous painting „Girl with a Pearl Earring,“ based on the novel of the same name. Unfortunately, it is impossible to verify how accurate it is – very little is known about the painter's life, although the few known facts are conveyed very precisely. Still, after watching the film you will get an impression of what the lives, daily routines, and domestic circumstances of painters of that era were like, and what the position of women in society was. „Girl with a Pearl Earring“ creates the same mysterious atmosphere found in the famous painter's own works – it is remarkably cinematic and subtle. Despite there being little dialogue in the film, much is conveyed through various hints, and although at first glance little happens, the tension and intrigue are sustained right up to the final moments, while the performances of the lead actors (Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson) ensure that the ninety minutes fly by unnoticed.

„Big Eyes“ (Big Eyes, 2014)

The film tells the story of the successful American painter Margaret Keane. While the artistic value of the works themselves could be debated, the story of their creation is certainly worthy of the silver screen – Margaret sold countless works, held exhibitions, and made a fortune from her art, yet no one knew that she was the actual author of the works, since her husband took the credit, and for many years she did not dare to stand up to him. When she finally resolved to reveal that she was the true painter and filed for divorce, the whole affair erupted into a lengthy public court case. We won't reveal how it ended just yet, but we promise that Christoph Waltz, who plays Margaret's husband Walter, is simply captivating, the film wonderfully conveys the atmosphere of 1960s America, it raises an important issue about the position of women, and we should also add that the film features a wonderful soundtrack – Lana Del Rey, who recorded the main song, won a Golden Globe for it.

„Lust for Life“ (Lust for Life, 1956)

In the film, Vincent van Gogh was portrayed by Kirk Douglas

The film was made based on Irving Stone's novel of the same name and depicts the life of the famous Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh – how he became a painter, how he reached the peak of his creativity, and how he ultimately died. As in the book, the film shows brilliantly that art, painting, was a ruinous obsession for Vincent, one that ultimately cost him his life. Although the film did not achieve great commercial success, it was highly praised by critics. Filmed in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, „Lust for Life“ was nominated for three Oscars (Best Actor, Best Screenplay, and Best Art Direction), and Anthony Quinn won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Kirk Douglas won a Golden Globe for his leading role.

Happy watching!