Considered by many critics to be the masterpiece of famous Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky, this 1966 movie was premiered at the Cannes Film Festival of 1969 and was received as one of the most beautiful, touching and passionate movies of all times. Still held today as one of the most convincing of artist's portrayals in the history of cinema, it not only chronicles in a manner never attempted before - and since never equaled - the life of the painter, but also the history, conflicts and dramas of 15th century Russia.
2. Frida (2002)
Directed by Julie Taymor and starring Salma Hayek in the lead role, it was one of the best movies of the year and surely one of the finest dedicated to an artist, especially one as controversial and fascinating as Frida Kahlo. Presenting both her private life, often in shocking and painful detail, and her painting career, from the hard and strenous beginnings to her triumph as one of the most original female painters in the world, it was surely a voyage for the viewer and a long and beautiful lesson about what is art and how important it is in everyday life.
3. Pollock (2000)
With Ed Harris as both the main character, the abstract expressionist artist Jackson Pollock and the director of the movie, this biopic from 2000 seemed like a risky bet at the start, yet it managed to be a critical success which surpassed the wildest and most enthusiastic hopes of those involved. Harris was so passionate about the life and works of Pollock that he not only researched the subject thoroughly, but also gave it so much character and passion that he ended receiving an Academy Award nomination for his part. And there were many critics who stated that he deserved the award that year for Best Actor.
4. Modigliani (2004)
Andy Garcia as the troubled and charismatic painter Amedeo Modigliani, following a script by Mick Davis (who also directed the movie) this was a touching, romantic, dramatic story chronicling the life of the artist in his times, his devotion to his art which went all the way, his struggles with his personal demons and the reality of everyday life. Although not as well received by some critics as other movies on the list it was good enough to be considered worthy of the Modigliani legend.
5. Lust for Life (1956)
With Kirk Douglas as Vincent van Gogh and Anthony Quinn as Paul Gauguin, it was based upon a novel by Irving Stone and it focused upon the most difficult and troubled part of van Gogh's life, starting with his life in a poor mining town, returning home and finally ending in a mental institution, until he retreated in the rural area when he will commit suicide. Presenting not only the life and ideas of van Gogh's, but also his difficult relationship with Gauguin, this is an amazing movie about art and the life of two famous painters.
