Why Do We Find Solace in Films About Artists?

Most films that tell the story of an artist touch us deeply, but why? They aren’t just mere romantic films with flaming hot love stories and intimate scenes that satisfy our need for love. They aren’t also mere comedies that’ll make us laugh in tears, nor horror films that’ll scare you to death. My dearest reader, films about art and artists are all of that.

I am convinced that art defines us. Every one of us is connected to a specific art that really reflects our essences. Making films is pure art but making art about art is a whole new level. I love films where art is physically and metaphorically present, these films feel theatrical and dramatic. They are full of laughter, tears, pain, love, and affection.

Affection, my dearest reader, is the main issue about art; you won’t get it unless you felt it with all of your heart. You’ll find yourself shedding some tears and maybe you’d feel oceans flooding from your eyes, but you’ll experience warmth, delicate power of art, and company. As much sadness these kinds of films bring, they’ll provide you with as much hope and power to embrace the world and yourself as they are.

After you reach the credits of these films, you’ll experience a gap of silence and fast heart rates. Relax! This is the effect of art. Let me quote Mr. John Keating of Dead Poets Society (1989): “But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for”.

So, at this point let me share with you some of my favourite films that reflect what it means to be an artist. How does it feel to carry the burden of creation? How can art change lives? What it feels to create and reflect your soul into your work? Why is art so beautiful and devastating? Yes, devastating. I won’t fool you, my dearest reader!

1. Cinema Paradiso (1988)

An Italian masterpiece about the love of cinema. It follows the story of the young Toto who’s passionate about cinema and the world in and beyond the big screen. A 3-hour journey of pure well-made art.

2. Midnight in Paris (2011)

How can a film be so poetic? Yes, locating it in France where all the magic happens. The story of an artist who wanders the city of art meeting his idols late every night. Art is a place to escape boredom.

3. La La Land (2016)

Through the use of art, Damien Chazelle presented, in the most poetic way, how one can never have it all. Art, love, sacrifice, and music with magnificent performances equals A CLASSIC.

4. Tick, Tick… BOOM! (2021)

I have already told you that art carries pain and tears; this film is the perfect portrayal of that. The story of Jonathan Larson and his anxiety of not being able to execute his art and maintain healthy relationships with his friends and loved ones. It’s a magnificent true story film that is full of great songs. It’ll leave you speechless.

P.S. amazing Andrew Garfield performance (Wink Wink)

5. Dead Poets Society (1989)

A film about living deliberately and capturing the essence of life regardless of what others tell you. It’s giving dark academia vibes. It is sad. You’ll cry. But you’ve got my word that you’ll love it.

6. Whiplash (2014)

Between perfectionism and psychological shattering, Andrew (Miles Teller) fights. It’s not easy to watch, like all artistic creations, but it’s a genius one; showing you a glance at how far an artist would go. This film will increase your empathy and affection as I previously mentioned.

7. Black Swan (2010)

Tortured between purity and darkness, Nina (Natalie Portman) fights her way through ballets which act as a metaphor for self-loss.

8. Birdman (2014)

A Freudian presentation of how the mind of an artist works. Yes, that’s it. (10/10 experience)

9. Amadeus (1984)

How God distributed talents? A musical discussing justice and jealousy where you can see the dark side of creativity and talent.

10. Paterson (2016)

How can you find art in the smallest details around you? Poetry is born and used to understand daily life.

My dearest reader, art is everything.
It is where you go when you have no one.
It is a lesson about life.
It is another world where you are free flying.

Films about art reflect our deepest urge: to create, to speak the unspoken, to transcend boundaries and touch the essence of the human spirit.

Art is life!