10 new films about iconic artists from different times that reveal little-known facts

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

All too often, genius goes hand in hand with all sorts of oddities and bad temperaments. Therefore, the life of every great artist asks for a screen. Over the past three years, ten biographical films have been filmed about the great masters of art. A gift or a curse to see the world differently from other people? Artists express all the beauty and darkness of this world with the help of their canvases, sketches, sculptures. Some films debunk myths about famous artists, while others contribute to their creation and further development. Plunging into the world of art, with the help of wonderful visual images created on the screen by talented actors, is always interesting.

1. "I wanted to hide" (Volevo nascondermi) (2020, Italy)

This film is about the Italian artist, Antonio Ligabue, undeservedly forgotten by the public. He was a representative of the Art Brut movement. The life of this artist was full of hardships, trials and pain. Antonio was left an orphan early, his mother died as a result of food poisoning. His stepfather's family, in which he was brought up, was poor. The boy was malnourished, his health was very poor because of this. He hated his stepfather and blamed his mother's death. As a result of a hard life, at the age of 18, Antonio ends up with a nervous breakdown in a psychiatric clinic. Drawing always calmed him down.

Closer to the age of 30, the artist's talent was discovered by Renato Marino Mazzacuratti, one of the founders of the Roman school. He taught Antonio the technique of using oil paints. Ligabue wandered, begged, and again thundered into a psychiatric hospital. From such twists and turns his life was formed. Before his death, Antonio managed to become famous and live richly, but not for long. The painter's restless character again plunged him into problems. The movie about this complex person turned out to be difficult, but very touching and atmospheric. The main role was played by the Italian Elio Germano. And so good that he earned the award of the Berlin Film Festival "Silver Bear". Definitely worth watching.

2. "Mrs Lowry & Son" (2019, UK)

British artist Lawrence Stephen Lowry (1887–1976) is best known for his paintings of industrial, working England. Lauri is one of the most beloved artists in this country. During his lifetime, he was not particularly appreciated, he was considered too committed to the working class. Lauri's paintings are incredibly expensive today.

Lawrence's life was not easy either. He had an endlessly oppressive mother, who demanded from her son that he give up drawing. In the film, her role was brilliantly played by Vanessa Redgrave. The role of the artist himself was played by Timothy Spall.

3. “Leonardo da Vinci. Unknown worlds "(2019, Italy)

An incredibly captivating film directed by Jesús Garces Lambert will take you through space and time. She will introduce you to the unusual story of this genius and the secrets of his life. The personality of this great Italian has become a cult object in the world of art and science. The film will definitely not leave indifferent both da Vinci fans and those who are simply interested in cinema.

4. "Sin" (Il Peccato) (2019, Russia, Italy)

A lot of films have been shot about Michelangelo. This time Andrey Konchalovsky decided to try his hand. The role of the artist went to the Italian actor Alberto Testone. The film was shot entirely in Italy, with Italian actors. The tape reveals the features of the communication of the brilliant master with patrons and customers. Despite the pomp, the picture was not appreciated by critics.

5. "Genius: Picasso" (2018, USA)

The second season of the American project "Geniuses" was dedicated entirely to Pablo Picasso. Serials about artists usually turn out badly, so they are rarely filmed. This one was a very pleasant exception. Ten episodes of the film tell in detail about the life of this great artist. His role was superbly played by Antonio Banderas.

6. "Mapplethorpe" (2018, USA)

This film is about the New York photographer who changed the world of fashion and photography forever - Robert Mapplethorpe. The first person to be photographed by the future cult photographer was his girlfriend, as well as rising punk star, Pattti Smith. The second person was Robert himself. Mapplethorpe has had a huge impact on a generation of famous portrait photographers. In the role of the photographer, you will see Matt Smith. The actor scrupulously studied not only the biography of the photographer, but also all of his photographs. He also admitted that he was also interested in this art and began to look at the world through the eyes of Robert Mapplethorpe.

7. “Van Gogh. On the threshold of eternity "(At Eternity's Gate) (2018, USA, UK, France)

Van Gogh is extremely loved by filmmakers. Of course, you can't imagine a better movie than the dramatic life story of this great artist. This time, the role of the eminent post-impressionist was played by Willem Dafoe. The work of the operator deserves special attention in the film. He skillfully shows the vision of Van Gogh, makes you feel his bright feverish gaze.

8. "Work without authorship" (Werk ohne Autor) (2018, Germany)

There are no big names in this film. All this is behind the scenes. Nevertheless, everyone immediately understood who this particular picture was about. The film is dedicated to the German artist Gerhard Richter. When the movie was released, the artist was still alive and was very unhappy. Nevertheless, it is worth watching, the filmed is very interesting and exciting. Played by Tom Schilling Richter.

9. "Tom of Finland" (2017, Finland)

Finnish artist Touko Valio Laaksonen (1920–1991) is known to few. He worked under the pseudonym Tom of Finland. The first glory came to him with the publications of the American gay porn magazine Physique Picture in 1957. Then he became quite famous, although his defiant creativity is considered by many to be marginal, due to the propaganda of LGBT aesthetics.

His native Finland also recognized his talent rather late, as the Finns did not want their country to be associated with gay culture. Now his paintings are adorned with Finnish stamps. The film became a nominee for the most prestigious film award "Oscar". The role of the artist was played by Pekka Strang.

10. Final Portrait (2017, UK, USA)

This film tells the story of the late life of the Swiss artist and sculptor Alberto Giacometti. His role was brilliantly played by Geoffrey Rush. Despite the simple plot of the picture, it is simply unrealistic to break away from the viewing, it fascinates the viewer.

11. “Gauguin. In search of paradise "(Gauguin - Voyage de Tahiti) (2017, France)

This film tells the story of Gauguin's life in Tahiti. The role of the artist was played by Vincent Cassel. The plot is based on how Gauguin falls in love with the islander Tehura. Filled with incredible inspiration thanks to his muse, Gauguin writes a lot and with talent.

You can read about the history of the creation of the most famous paintings in the world in our article. intriguing stories of paintings by great artists.