A surefire way to find inspiration is to watch a captivating movie featuring a legendary artist. Here are seven classics that you may have missed.
Ed Harris received an Academy Award for his performance as Jackson Pollock. The artist had a roller coaster career, from his first commission for a painting from Peggy Guggenheim, to his rocky relationship with art critic Clement Greenberg. The movie also follows his battle with alcoholism.
The British artist J.M.W. Turner was a Romanticist landscape painter that challenged the conventions of his time. This film about his life won a special jury prize for its gorgeous cinematography, and Timothy Spall won Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival for his portrayal of Turner. The movie's sheer beauty alone makes this a must-see.
This drama is based on the events around the 1937 musical of the same name. The artist Diego Rivera is portrayed in the film by actor Ruben Blades. Rivera received a commission for a painting from Nelson Rockefeller. Controversy erupts when Rivera refuses to remove Vladimir Lenin's face from his piece.
This engrossing movie delves into the life of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, as well as her tumultuous relationship with Diego Rivera. Selma Hayek portrays Kahlo with an unwavering strength. Julie Taymor directs, and her background in the theatre can be seen in the imaginative sequences inspired by Kahlo's surrealism.
Kirk Douglas gives a dramatic performance as Vincent Van Gogh in this classic film. Douglas captures the obsessive intensity of the artist consumed by his passions who, though never sold a painting in his lifetime, has inspired countless contemporary painters. The gripping narrative and absorbing characters make this the quintessential artist biopic.
Though this recent movie directed by Tim Burton flew under the radar, it's bound to become a cult classic. The story centers on Margaret Keane, known for her kitschy portraits of characters with large eyes. Her husband, Walter, takes the credit for her paintings, leading to a drama filled with conflict and betrayal.
This animated movie about a time-traveling dog and his adopted son has an appearance by the Renaissance man himself, Leonardo Da Vinci. Sherman discovers da Vinci's legendary flying machine in his attic, and manages to take it for a spin, at least for a little while.
These movies aren't only entertaining, they're motivational. Check one out next time you need a creative boost.
Pollock
Ed Harris received an Academy Award for his performance as Jackson Pollock. The artist had a roller coaster career, from his first commission for a painting from Peggy Guggenheim, to his rocky relationship with art critic Clement Greenberg. The movie also follows his battle with alcoholism.
Mr. Turner
The British artist J.M.W. Turner was a Romanticist landscape painter that challenged the conventions of his time. This film about his life won a special jury prize for its gorgeous cinematography, and Timothy Spall won Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival for his portrayal of Turner. The movie's sheer beauty alone makes this a must-see.
Cradle Will Rock
This drama is based on the events around the 1937 musical of the same name. The artist Diego Rivera is portrayed in the film by actor Ruben Blades. Rivera received a commission for a painting from Nelson Rockefeller. Controversy erupts when Rivera refuses to remove Vladimir Lenin's face from his piece.
Frida
This engrossing movie delves into the life of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, as well as her tumultuous relationship with Diego Rivera. Selma Hayek portrays Kahlo with an unwavering strength. Julie Taymor directs, and her background in the theatre can be seen in the imaginative sequences inspired by Kahlo's surrealism.
Lust for Life
Kirk Douglas gives a dramatic performance as Vincent Van Gogh in this classic film. Douglas captures the obsessive intensity of the artist consumed by his passions who, though never sold a painting in his lifetime, has inspired countless contemporary painters. The gripping narrative and absorbing characters make this the quintessential artist biopic.
Big Eyes
Though this recent movie directed by Tim Burton flew under the radar, it's bound to become a cult classic. The story centers on Margaret Keane, known for her kitschy portraits of characters with large eyes. Her husband, Walter, takes the credit for her paintings, leading to a drama filled with conflict and betrayal.
Mr. Peabody & Sherman
This animated movie about a time-traveling dog and his adopted son has an appearance by the Renaissance man himself, Leonardo Da Vinci. Sherman discovers da Vinci's legendary flying machine in his attic, and manages to take it for a spin, at least for a little while.
These movies aren't only entertaining, they're motivational. Check one out next time you need a creative boost.