10 Must-See Art Films
The summer school holidays just ended, so it’s time for our Bluethumb parents and caregivers to relax and unwind. If you’re craving a fix of art-infused cinematography, look no further than these 10 must-see art films! If your lounge or movie room decor also needs some TLC, see this week’s curation Art Imitating Art: Music, Film and Theatre and discover the perfect artwork.
Woman in Gold
Woman in Gold (2015) is based on the story of Maria Altmann, an elderly Jewish refugee living in Cheviot Hills, Los Angeles. Sixty years after fleeing Vienna, Maria (Helen Mirren) attempts to reclaim Gustave Klimt’s Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, a painting of her beloved aunt that the Nazis seized. With the help of young lawyer Randy Schoenberg (Ryan Renolds), Maria battles to recover this painting from Austria, which considers it a national treasure.
At Eternities Gate
If you’re a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, At Eternities Gate (2018) is the film for you! Through Willem Dafoe’s incredible Oscar-nominated performance, experience the Dutch painter’s eternal love of art and final years living in France. Watch as the post-impressionist painter descends into madness, cuts off his ear, limits his interactions with his brother Theo (Rupert Friend) and fellow painter Paul Gauguin (Oscar Isaac) and dies a mysterious death.
The Monuments Men
During World War II, countless pieces of art were stolen and hidden by the Nazies, and Hitler ordered their destruction if the Third Reich fell. Caught in a race against time, The Monuments Men (2014) depicts a unit of unlikely men, including art scholars, historians, and architects who risked their lives to protect some of the world’s most outstanding artistic achievements. This movie boasts a star-studded ensemble, including George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, and Bob Balaban.
Kusama – Infinity
Directed by Heather Lenz, Kusama – Infinity (2018) is a documentary on the life and work of Yayoi Kusama, who revolutionalised New York’s male-dominated art scene. From modest beginnings in Japan, Kusama has become an internationally best-selling female artist known for extensively using polka dots. At 93 years old, Kusama still paints today from the psychiatric hospital she voluntarily checked into in the 1970s. Kusama’s creative repetiteur includes sculpture, painting, performance, fashion and more!
The Best Offer
The Best Offer (2013) is a psychological thriller written and directed by Giuseppe Tornatore. In this intriguing story, Virgil Oldman (Geoffrey Rush), an eccentric auctioneer, becomes obsessed with a reclusive heiress (Sylvia Hoekes). Tasked with evaluating the collection of artworks and antiques left by her late parents, Virgil enlists the help of Billy Whistler (Donald Sutherland) to befriend the woman and acquire a private collection of paintings. In the process, Virgil will bid more than he anticipated.
Finding Vivian Maier
Finding Vivian Maier (2014) is a documentary that focuses on the life of a nanny whose previously unknown cache of 10,000 photographs earned her the title of one of the most accomplished American street photographers. Vivian’s life work was discovered in 2007 when John Maloof won a box of negatives for $380 at his local auction house in Chicago’s Northwest Side. Discover the secretive life of Vivian Maier through this curation of archival photographs and interviews with those who thought they knew her.
Peggy Guggenheim: Art Addict
Patron of the arts, Peggy Guggenheim, had an intuition for discovering talent. Known as the strange wayward Guggenheim, Peggie had an undeniable eccentric flair and love of modern art. Peggie helped cultivate interest in artists such as Jackson Pollock and Salvador Dalí. In this 2015 documentary, learn how this one-of-a-kind collector built the most incredible collection of modern art. Documentary footage includes the thought-to-be-lost recordings of her last 1979 interview.
Big Eyes
Directed by Tim Burton, Big Eyes (2014) follows the creative awakening and success of painter Margaret Keane (Amy Adams) in the 1950s. However, her popularity was misplaced. Her fellow-painter husband, Walter Keane (Christopher Waltz), claimed credit for her drawings of children with big eyes. While he revelled in fabricated financial success, she endured the isolating truth and struggled with critical failure. Watch as Margaret battled to reclaim her name and paintings in a court of law.
Shirley: Visions of Reality
In 2014, director Gustav Deutsch brought the world of Edward Hopper to life in this unique interdisciplinary feature film. Canvas three decades of history through the life of protagonist Shirley (Stephanie Cumming). Featuring 13 beautiful visually balanced scenes, Deutsch recreates the subject and mood of Hopper’s paintings. With little action or dialogue, a radio broadcast helps the audience place each set within a historical context.
Maudie
Sally Hawkins stars in Maudie (2017), a film inspired by the true story of Maud Lewis. A Canadian artist who painted bright, cheerful scenes despite her dark reality. She had crippling rheumatoid arthritis, experienced child loss, and had an unsupportive family. Maud begins painting as a hobby while she works as a housekeeper for Everett Lewis (Ethan Hawke). As her art increases in popularity, their conflicting personalities result in an intense relationship.
Sit back, relax and binge to your heart’s content. If you make it through this list of 10 must-see art films, view this week’s curation, Art Imitating Art: Music, Film and Theatre, and for more great, must-see film recommendations, click here.
You are sooo correct all the films listed are national treasures AND show the viewers the wide range of artistic experiences based on fact. Thanks for the list.
If there was an eleventh spot I would add ‘Never Look Away ‘ – a 2018 film based on the life of German artist Gerhard Richter