Top 10 Detective Films About Artists

Description: While more of a gothic tale, this film adaptation of Oscar Wilde's novel features a painter, Basil Hallward, whose portrait of Dorian Gray becomes central to the story's mystery and moral decay.

Fact: The film won an Academy Award for Best Cinematography, Black-and-White.

Description: This film follows the journey of a legendary violin, crafted by a master luthier, through centuries, with each owner's story intertwined with mystery, passion, and art. It's a detective story in the sense of uncovering the instrument's history.

Fact: The film was shot in five different languages, reflecting the violin's travels around the world.

Description: Thomas Crown, a wealthy art collector, orchestrates an elaborate heist of a Monet painting from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The film is a stylish blend of romance, art, and detective work as an insurance investigator tries to catch him.

Fact: The film features a famous chess game scene, which was actually played by the actors, Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo.

Description: While not exclusively about an artist, this film features Lisbeth Salander, a hacker with a flair for art, who helps solve a decades-old disappearance case. The film's intricate plot and visual storytelling make it a must-watch for fans of detective stories with an artistic twist.

Fact: The film's title refers to a tattoo that Lisbeth has, which becomes a key element in the story. The Swedish version of this film was released in

Description: An auctioneer, known for his expertise in art, gets entangled in a complex web of deceit and mystery when he falls for a reclusive client. The film explores themes of art, love, and deception.

Fact: The film was shot in Vienna and features numerous real artworks, including pieces by Gustav Klimt.

Description: A master thief, who specializes in stealing art, is drawn into a high-stakes heist involving a priceless painting. The film combines elements of art theft with detective work to unravel the mystery.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life theft of the Mona Lisa in

Description: A former art prodigy, now a master forger, is released from prison to create a fake masterpiece to save his son's life. The film delves into the world of art forgery and the moral dilemmas faced by artists.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life art forger Mark Landis, who donated his forgeries to museums.

Description: Although not about a traditional artist, this film involves a sculptor who uses his wax figures to cover up his crimes, creating a chilling mystery. It's an early example of horror mixed with detective elements.

Fact: The film was remade in 1953 as "House of Wax," starring Vincent Price.

Description: This film features an eccentric painter, Gulley Jimson, who goes to extreme lengths to paint his masterpiece, leading to a series of comedic and criminal escapades.

Fact: Alec Guinness, who played Jimson, also wrote the screenplay adaptation of Joyce Cary's novel.

Description: This British TV movie revolves around an artist who becomes embroiled in a murder mystery when his painting is used as the alibi for a crime. The film explores themes of art forgery and deception, making it a perfect fit for this list.

Fact: The film was shot in various art galleries and studios in London, providing an authentic backdrop to the story.