5 Films Art History Lovers Must Watch
With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, many find themselves at home with increased free time. With this list, choosing a film for your next quarantine movie night will be a breeze. Here are five essential art history related films:
Midnight in Paris
This Academy Award-winning film follows Gil (Owen Wilson) on a time-traveling self-discovery through different eras of Paris’ history. The film tackles themes of nostalgia, with Gil unsatisfied in his current life situation, longing to be from a different time. As Gil suddenly travels back to early 20th century Paris, he meets prominent figures such as Pablo Picasso, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Salvador Dalí. Art history fans will love seeing one of history’s most significant periods reimagined in this inspiring, lighthearted picture.
Pollock
Pollock follows the rise, career, and struggles of one of America’s greatest artists: Jackson Pollock. Pollock went from being unknown into a leading member of the New York School movement, with his work displayed in museums around the globe. His story is worth watching and remembering.
Woman in Gold
Based on a true story, Woman in Gold tells the emotional journey of an Austrian-Jewish woman’s desire to regain a famous Klimt painting the Nazis stole from her family. The film unwraps the painful history of Nazi looting and the determination of Maria Altmann to reclaim her family history.
Basquiat
This riveting feature tells the story of Jean-Michel Basquiat. The extraordinary success story of the legendary neo-Expressionist is highlighted as well as his tragic downfall. This film will make you laugh and cry as you empathize with a star gone too soon.
Frida
Perhaps the greatest female artist in history, Frida is the biopic of Mexican Surrealist Frida Kahlo. This star-studded production was nominated for multiple Academy Awards, as Salma Hayek effortlessly embodied her role as Kahlo. Frida lived a remarkable life and this film highlights it beautifully.