Movies about artists aren’t as common as superhero movies, or other titles that fall under the genre of action. Despite its relatively rarity, it is often that they do receive the deserved love and recognition of the work and artistry that goes into making a movie like it.
The following list covers movies about artists, fictional or non-fictional, offering audiences visually captivating pieces. So, if you have time to spare, and are a lover of art or an artist yourself, don’t hesitate to give them a watch.
But before we start:
What is the Definition of an Artist?
An artist is someone who is able to skilfully take their thoughts and transfer it into forms that can be perceived by others. Art broadly encompasses visual, auditory and written works—but for the sake of uniformity, this list will cover artists who paint, draw, sculpt and sketch.
1. Across the Universe (2007)
Release date: September 14, 2007
Genre: Comedy, Jukebox Musical, Adventure, Drama
Country of Origin: USA
Director: Julie Taymor
Rated: PG-13
Across the Universe is a jukebox musical that follows the protagonist Jude, a poor artist from Liverpool who flew to America in search for his father. Through renditions of songs by The Beatles, this movie is about an artist who navigates his way through foreign lands during the tumultuous period of the 1960s.
Jude soon finds his father—a janitor in Harvard University. They don’t bond, to which Jude wasn’t particularly bothered with. The story truly sets off when he meets Max and his sister Lucy, who he soon falls in love with. Eventually, they uproot their lives to move to New York—where Jude becomes a freelance artist, Lucy an activist and Max a war draftee. Alongside a cast of spirited characters, Across the Universe iterates themes of love, art and anti-war activism.
Across the Universe’s Key Takeaways:
Across the Universe encapsulates issues that are still rampant today, in the likes of war, police brutality, racial discrimination—all tightly presented in a musical. Essentially, and akin to the psychedelic 60’s, the movie promotes love and unity above all.
2. Frida (2002)
Release date: October 25, 2002
Genre: Drama, Romance
Country of Origin: USA
Director: Julie Taymor
Rated: R
Starring Salma Hayek as Frida, this movie is a biographical drama that follows a titular surrealist painter. Frida was a Mexican artist in real-life, whose paintings dealt with themes of identity, physicality and death. She was best known for her self-portraits, that often depicted her stoic expressions atop vivid backdrops.
The film begins with what drove Frida to become an artist in the first place—the traumatic bus ride accident, that ended in her impalement. Her father had brought her painting supplies amidst her recuperation, kickstarting her lifelong passion. Rather than focusing on this artist’s work, Frida depicts the artist’s controversies, clandestine affairs and politics.
Frida’s Key Takeaways:
The movie brings attention to the disturbed life of Frida, showing how both her misfortunes and conscious actions shaped her artwork—and in turn, explores how and why every artist creates work original to them.
3. Camille Claudel (1988)
Release date: December 7, 1988
Genre: Drama, History, Romance
Country of Origin: France
Director: Bruno Nuytten
Rated: R
Camille Claudel is a movie about an artist who works with bronze and marble. This French sculptor’s creations superseded societal expectations of her time, yet her work was overshadowed by an unfortunate affair with another artist, Rodin. Little is known about Claudel, past her title as Rodin’s lover and muse.
This biopic is based on a book, written by Claudel’s great granddaughter. This movie is rather an exploration of her persona than sculpting. While the story recounts her relationship with Rodin, it better focuses on her reactions and struggles with recognition and purpose. Audiences follow Claudel’s decline into poverty and mental illness, as she pains to receive the deserved acknowledgement of her individuality.
Camille Claudel’s Key Takeaways:
Claudel’s artistry thrived despite the roles that women were forced into in her time—but her mind could not withstand the social pressures that France in the late 1800s brought. Whether or not her madness was innate, it was understandably accelerated by the circumstances of her situation.
4. The Hour of the Wolf (1968)
Release date: February 19, 1968
Genre: Psychological Horror, Thriller, Drama, Mystery
Country of Origin: Sweden
Director: Ingmar Bergman
Rated: Not Rated
The Hour of the Wolf is a psychological horror movie about an artist and his wife, who are situated on a small island. Johan Borg, this film’s fictional artist protagonist is pained with visions of demons and other malevolent figures, who shares these with his pregnant wife through haunting sketches.
The pair are then invited to a neighbouring castle, whose inhabitants forcefully try to insert themselves into their lives. Since then, the artist’s insomnia and hallucinations worsen, where Borg and audiences alike struggle to distinguish between delusion and reality. With dreamlike effects, grating imagery and allusions to folklore, The Hour of the Wolf is a melodrama that skilfully portrays insanity through the eyes of an artist.
The Hour of the Wolf’s Key Takeaways:
Identities blend and realities converge in The Hour of the Wolf. The movie blurs the lines between what we are fond of and what we are most vulnerable to, dramatising how guilt can take over our lives.
5. Lust for Life (1956)
Release date: September 17, 1956
Genre: Drama
Country of Origin: USA
Director: Vincente Minnelli
Rated: Not Rated
This movie about the painter, Vincent Van Gogh is yet another biographical piece. This Dutch artist’s work fell under the post-impressionist movement, with seminal pieces like “The Starry Night” or his self-portraits. Much like many other artists, Van Gogh’s art was only truly appreciated posthumously—a passing that remains a mystery, till today.
Based on a novel of the same name, Lust for Life kicks off with the portrayal of Van Gogh as a fervent evangelical who seeks to be like his father, the pastor of their local church. However, this painter soon finds purpose in creation. This movie offers the audience a transparent representation of the effects of manic depression, addiction and faith, set in scenes that reflect the real paintings of Van Gogh.
Lust for Life’s Key Takeaways:
Lust for Life solidifies the idea that at the end of the day, humans are social creatures. Isolation, lack of recognition and a loss of purpose had driven Van Gogh to suicide, in this film—despite his sheer skills and virtuoso mind. It was simply something his loneliness restricted him from seeing.
Conclusion
Movies about artists are diamonds in the rough, so finding one that best suits your personal criteria of what makes a good movie can be difficult—but there’s always something for everyone and hopefully something from this list has caught your eye!
Author Bio
From Malaysia, Leia Emeera is a writer at TESSR, and a published author. She has been putting pen to paper ever since she learned how to, and has an anthology to her name, titled 'Ten'. Leia loves music, games and her beloved labrador retriever, George. She aims to further her studies in English Literature and Creative Writing the moment her gap year ends. 'Till then, you will find her sitting behind a desk, writing with TESSR.
Connect with her on LinkedIn: Leia Emeera
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