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The art of storytelling: Movies about painters

October 3rd, 2021

Have you ever wondered about a famous painting and want to know what was the inspiration or what was the artist’s life like? We do all the time. Luckily they are a ton of movies about artists to give us unique insight into the life stories of these amazingly talented people. Often complex, they reveal the all-too-human aspects of imagination and real life. Here are a few movies that are worth a watch.

Frida tells the story of artist Frida Kahlo, her physical challenges, and the loves of her life including fellow artist Diego Rivera. Pollock starring Westworld’s man in black Ed Harris is an intense and unique glimpse into the life of groundbreaking abstract painter Jackson Pollock. Big eyes starring Amy Adams is the true story of artist Margaret Keane and her fight to establish recognition for her work and legacy. Lust for Life starring Kirk Douglas and Anthony Quinn is the profound story of artist and visual genius Vincent Van Gogh. At Eternity’s Gate is another movie about Van Gogh expertly played by actor Willem DaFoe. Girl with the Pearl Earring starring Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson is about the artist Johannes Vermeer. Goya’s Ghosts starring Javier Bardem is about the painter Goya, what haunts him, and the Spanish Inquisition. It’s fascinating to delve into the worlds of painters and their motivations. We highly recommend watching documentaries on painters to get more of heft, and the actual stories. Try Exit Through The Gift Shop, The Universe of Keith Haring, and Made You Look.