Family Films About Modern Art

Description: This biopic about Frida Kahlo explores her life, art, and tumultuous relationship with Diego Rivera. It's an excellent way to introduce children to the world of surrealism and the personal struggles of artists.

Fact: Salma Hayek, who played Frida, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. The film also won two Oscars for Best Makeup and Best Original Score.

Description: This biographical drama focuses on the life of abstract expressionist painter Jackson Pollock, offering a deep dive into the world of modern art and the artist's struggle with fame and personal demons.

Fact: Ed Harris, who played Pollock, also directed the film. It was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Harris.

Description: This film follows a daydreamer who embarks on a real-life adventure, showcasing the beauty of photography and the art of storytelling through images. It's a heartwarming tale that celebrates the art of capturing life's moments.

Fact: The film includes real-life photographers and features a scene where Walter Mitty skateboards through Iceland, which was actually done by Ben Stiller.

Description: While focusing on gender identity, this film also delves into the world of early 20th-century art, showcasing the life of Lili Elbe, one of the first known recipients of gender reassignment surgery, and her artist husband.

Fact: Eddie Redmayne was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role. The film was based on the novel by David Ebershoff.

Description: This film tells the true story of Margaret Keane, whose husband took credit for her paintings of children with large eyes. It's a lesson in artistic integrity and the importance of standing up for one's work.

Fact: Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz both received Golden Globe nominations for their performances. The film was directed by Tim Burton, known for his unique visual style.

Description: This film portrays the later years of the life of J.M.W. Turner, exploring his artistic genius and eccentricities. It's a thoughtful look at how art evolves with the artist.

Fact: Timothy Spall won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival for his portrayal of Turner. The film was shot in a way to mimic Turner's painting style.

Description: This animated film uses oil paintings in the style of Vincent van Gogh to tell the story of his life and mysterious death. It's a visually stunning way to introduce children to one of the most famous modern artists.

Fact: Every frame of the film is an oil painting, with over 65,000 paintings created by 125 artists. It was the first fully painted feature film.

Description: While not directly about modern art, this film's use of minimal dialogue and stunning visuals makes it a beautiful piece of storytelling that can inspire artistic appreciation in young viewers.

Fact: The film was a collaboration between Studio Ghibli and Dutch animator Michaël Dudok de Wit. It was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 89th Academy Awards.

Description: This film imagines the life behind Vermeer's famous painting, offering a glimpse into the art world of the 17th century, which can be an engaging way to discuss art history with children.

Fact: Scarlett Johansson was nominated for a BAFTA for Best Actress. The film's visual style was inspired by Vermeer's use of light and color.

Description: This documentary by Banksy explores the world of street art, providing a humorous and insightful look into the art scene. It's a great introduction to modern art for families, showcasing the creativity and controversy of street artists.

Fact: The film was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 83rd Academy Awards. There's ongoing debate about whether the film itself is an elaborate piece of performance art.