This curated list of films delves into the vibrant and often controversial world of modern art. From the exploration of artistic expression to the critique of the art market, these films provide a rich tapestry of narratives that reflect the complexities of contemporary art. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply curious about the creative process, this selection offers insights into the minds of artists, the impact of their work, and the cultural significance of modern art movements.

Pollock (2000)
Description: A biographical film about Jackson Pollock, focusing on his struggle with alcoholism, his relationship with Lee Krasner, and his revolutionary drip painting technique.
Fact: Ed Harris, who directed and starred in the film, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor. The film was shot in the actual house where Pollock lived.


My Kid Could Paint That (2007)
Description: This documentary follows the story of Marla Olmstead, a young child whose abstract paintings became the center of controversy over authenticity in the art world.
Fact: The film raises questions about the value of art, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the ethics of the art market.


The Ghost Writer (2010)
Description: While primarily a political thriller, the film includes themes of authorship and the art of writing, paralleling the world of modern art where authenticity and originality are paramount.
Fact: Directed by Roman Polanski, the film was shot in Germany, standing in for the UK, and features a haunting score by Alexandre Desplat.


Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)
Description: This documentary, ostensibly about street art, delves into the world of modern art through the lens of an eccentric French shopkeeper turned filmmaker, Thierry Guetta. His journey to find the elusive Banksy turns into a bizarre exploration of art, fame, and authenticity.
Fact: The film was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 83rd Academy Awards. There's debate over whether the film itself is a piece of performance art or a genuine documentary.


The Art of Getting By (2011)
Description: While not exclusively about modern art, this film features a high school student whose artistic talent and existential crisis reflect the themes of creativity and the pressures of the art world.
Fact: The film was shot in New York City, providing an authentic backdrop for its exploration of art and youth culture.


The Square (2017)
Description: This Swedish film, which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes, satirizes the contemporary art world through the story of a museum curator whose life spirals out of control after a series of unfortunate events.
Fact: The film was Sweden's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 90th Academy Awards. It features an infamous scene involving a performance artist acting like an ape at a gala dinner.


The Price of Everything (2018)
Description: This documentary examines the commodification of art, exploring how art is valued, bought, and sold in today's market, featuring interviews with artists, collectors, and auctioneers.
Fact: The film includes insights from Jeff Koons, one of the most expensive living artists, and Larry Poons, whose work once fetched high prices but later saw a decline in value.


Basquiat (1996)
Description: A biographical film about Jean-Michel Basquiat, a neo-expressionist artist who rose to fame in the 1980s New York art scene, exploring themes of race, class, and the art world's superficiality.
Fact: Directed by Julian Schnabel, another artist, the film captures the essence of Basquiat's life with a raw, painterly style. David Bowie plays Andy Warhol, Basquiat's mentor.


The Mill and the Cross (2011)
Description: Although set in the 16th century, this film uses modern art techniques to explore the creation of Pieter Bruegel's painting "The Way to Calvary," offering insights into the artistic process.
Fact: The film uses digital technology to recreate the landscape and characters from Bruegel's painting, blending historical narrative with contemporary visual storytelling.


Velvet Buzzsaw (2019)
Description: A satirical thriller set in the contemporary art scene of Miami, where art critics, dealers, and artists face supernatural consequences after exploiting an unknown artist's work.
Fact: The film was released on Netflix and features a star-studded cast including Jake Gyllenhaal and Rene Russo. It was inspired by the real-life art world's excesses and controversies.
