By: Alex Phuong –
When it comes to history as a subject, people either love it or hate it. Nevertheless, the history of the world is an essential topic to learn about to (hopefully) prevent negative experiences in the past from happening again. In fact, the history of art coincides with world history, and cinematic history sometimes does include films about artists and dreamers that attempt to give the world aesthetic beauty. Therefore, there is an entire history involved in beloved movies that sometimes really do capture the hearts of audiences seeking compelling entertainment.
Of course, since many great films are biopics, Hollywood did put in the effort to create films that would honor the legacies of great artists from bygone eras. In fact, Vincent Van Gogh is a popular artist whose story has been told time and time again on the silver screen. For example, Kirk Douglas earned an Oscar nomination for playing Van Gogh in Lust for Life, while Willem Dafoe played that part in At Eternity’s Gate.
Furthermore, sometimes amazing films feature actual paintings from the rich history of art. In fact, Kate Winslet discusses art near the beginning of Titanic with impressionist paintings from artists like Monet and Manet. And obviously, some people really do enjoy watching Jack drawing Rose (in a way that would best suit mature audiences).
Within the history of art itself, many consider the Mona Lisa painting as the greatest painting of all time. In fact, the film Mona Lisa Smile reveals what could happen when students study art history.
Additionally, some biopics combine drama and passion that perfectly encapsulates the fact that passion is a key ingredient when it comes to producing art. For example, Frida had Salma Hayek play the titular artist, while Girl with a Pearl Earring is a modern classic based on the contemporary classic novel of the same name.
Finally, sometimes amazing films do inspire viewers to pursue their dreams in arts and entertainment. For example, The Red Shoes puts a spin on the classic Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale by displaying one of the most beautiful love stories ever filmed in Technicolor. In terms of the love of art and life itself, countless romances display beautiful sets and costumes as sparks fly between lovers. Examples range from Shakespeare in Love, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, and the wildly acclaimed film La La Land.
The history of art contains some of the greatest artistic achievements made by human hands, while filmmakers use cameras to film compelling motion pictures that is an artistic medium unto itself.
And ultimately, here’s to the ones who pursue their dreams (but remember to be careful with passionate passion)!
