Usually, I feel embarrassed by how painters are represented in cinema, but I promised myself I’d watch at least ten films about this work I’ve been doing all my life. It should be possible, right?
Let’s give it a try:
Directed by Vincente Minnelli, this film stars Kirk Douglas as Vincent van Gogh and focuses on the turbulent life and artistic genius of the Dutch post-impressionist painter.
Directed by Julian Schnabel, this biographical drama follows the life of Jean-Michel Basquiat, a graffiti artist turned neo-expressionist painter, played by Jeffrey Wright.
Directed by Julie Taymor, this biographical drama stars Salma Hayek as Mexican surrealist painter Frida Kahlo, depicting her tumultuous relationship with fellow artist Diego Rivera, played by Alfred Molina.
Directed by and starring Ed Harris, this biographical film chronicles the life of American abstract expressionist painter Jackson Pollock, focusing on his artistic breakthroughs and personal struggles.
Directed by Mike Leigh, this biographical drama stars Timothy Spall as J.M.W. Turner, the eccentric and innovative British painter known for his landscapes and seascapes.
Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003)
Directed by Peter Webber, this historical drama is based on Tracy Chevalier's novel of the same name and imagines the creation of Johannes Vermeer's famous painting, with Scarlett Johansson portraying the titular girl.
Directed by Bruno Nuytten, this biographical drama focuses on the life of French sculptor Camille Claudel, played by Isabelle Adjani, and her relationship with sculptor Auguste Rodin, played by Gérard Depardieu.
Directed by Derek Jarman, this biographical drama explores the life and art of Italian Baroque painter Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, known for his dramatic use of light and shadow.
Directed by Robert Altman, this biographical drama examines the complex relationship between Vincent van Gogh (played by Tim Roth) and his brother Theo (played by Paul Rhys), who supported him financially and emotionally.
Directed by Martin Provost, this French-Belgian biographical film tells the story of Seraphine de Senlis, a housekeeper and self-taught painter whose talent was discovered by German art critic Wilhelm Uhde, played by Ulrich Tukur.