Films play an important role in our contemporary society. With some people watching them casually, to others being in awe with every aspect of them. In some ways, films can influence multiple parts of our lives. It can be a simple outfit inspiration or even a whole personality change.
There was a time before our beloved films graced our screens, and the only square picture we would be able to stare at back then would be art. Painting has influenced the world in so many ways, including the classic films we have all watched throughout our lives.
I am going to look at examples of paintings in movies and how they influenced the visuals and the character development. The use of paintings in film show demonstrates the power of art and how people can interpret a painting in so many ways.
The Truman Show (1998) directed by Peter Weir, is inspired by the painting Architecture au clair de lune (1956) by René Magritte, according to fan theories. The painting shows a spherical moon shining over a white staircase. The painting resembles one of the last scenes of The Truman Show, where Truman is standing at the top of a staircase looking up at the painted sky. The film has become iconic and is constantly referenced. The fact that a painting inspired an entire scene in The Truman Show, that anyone can recognize is amazing. The surrealism painting by Magrite links closely to the surreal, disorienting situation that Truman finds himself in. Not only does the art show an aesthetically pleasing scene, but also links to the deeper meaning of a world that is completely fake - it is real to the eye, but if you search further, you find that it does not exist.
Paintings can inspire the looks of films, but they can also denote essential points on a character’s story arch.
Films don’t only use paintings as inspiration but are also shown in the films themselves. Ferris Buellers Day Off (1985) directed by John Hughes has an iconic scene involving Chicago’s art gallery. The scene shows a painting being interpreted by one of the main characters, Cameron Frye. The Pointillist painting that Cameron is staring at in the film is A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte (1886) by Georges Seurat.
A scene shows Cameron staring at the painting for a long while, mesmerised. The camera focuses on a mother and child holding hands in the painting. Cameron relates to the painting at this moment as he is reflecting on the distant relationship he has had with his parents. This could make the audience view the painting completely different to what they may have before watching. Hughes also said in an audio commentary featured on the film’s 1999 DVD release. “The closer he looks at the child, the less he sees with this style of painting. The more he looks at it there’s nothing there. He fears that the more you look at him there isn’t anything to see. There’s nothing there. That’s him.” The painting gives viewers an insight into Cameron’s personality and life that isn’t shown in the film. It gives viewers the idea that Cameron has many issues and thoughts about himself and his connection to those around him throughout his life. At the start of the film, Cameron is worried and deflated. The painting gives us a broader idea of exactly why - then at the end of the film Cameron is more carefree and ready to stand up to his parents. The scene can be interpreted in many ways but shows exactly why art is important - it says a thousand words without a sound.
Another film that includes a lot of references to artwork is Titanic (1997), one of the highest-grossing films. One of the main characters, Rose, has an extensive art collection and often talks about art and what she admires about it. The popularity of the film could be an entry point for more viewers to see the paintings Rose discusses. A painting featured is Water Lilies (1905) by Claude Monet. The painting is admired by Jack and Rose and is shown in both wide shots and close-up shots. The artwork plays an important part in the film and highlights Rose’s love for art, which is a main theme throughout. The use of art gives Rose and Jack a connection despite the fact they are from completely different classes - back then it would be unspeakable for the higher class to be with the lower class. Rose collects art and Jack makes art; in a way it seems those two traits mean they are made for each other. They both see the world with a creative eye and their love story could be seen as a work of art.
Paintings in film can influence the visual design and narrative. These artworks situated in films can be extremely powerful visual symbols. Whether it’s through a shot in a film, or a scene inspired by a painting – viewers are still taking in art and enjoying the aesthetic, the interpretations and the talent.
By Mya Bailey.