From Vermeer to Van Gogh and Rembrandt to Renoir, great artists have moved and inspired people for hundreds of years. Enabling young people to find out about such figures can help them recognise their own individual capacity for creativity – but for many students, art galleries are out of reach. One simple and accessible way to introduce learners to famous painters and encourage them to think about art in new ways is by watching and discussing a film that focuses on the life and works of an influential artist. The education charity FILMCLUB has selected three titles, especially for Teach Secondary, which are guaranteed to get those critical and creative juices flowing!
With thousands of films available free to member schools via its website, FILMCLUB is an easy, effective and enjoyable way to broaden young people’s cultural horizons and introduce them to people, places, ideas and issues they may not otherwise encounter: “FILMCLUB allows us to screen films students might not normally see at home,” confirms a teacher at Lord Williams School, Oxfordshire. “It helps us to educate students culturally and to generate discussion on a variety of topics.”
GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING (2003, 12)
This absorbing drama centres around the creation of the famous painting of the same name by 17th century Dutch master Johannes Vermeer.
DISCUSSION POINTS:
- Why do you think Peter Webber chose to make a film about Vermeer? What was special about his style of painting?
- Do you think being an artist was a glamorous profession in the 17th century? Do you think it’s glamorous to be an artist working today?
- Griet’s behaviour is considered scandalous. Do you think that’s fair and if you were her friend what advice would you give her?
REVIEW STARTER
No one knows the true story of the painting, but Peter Webber’s adaptation based on Tracey Chevalier’s novel helps us imagine what life might have been like in the 17th century…
FRIDA (2002, 15)
Salma Hayek stars in this biopic of the groundbreaking Mexican-born artist Frida Kahlo
DISCUSSION POINTS:
- After her accident, Frida Kahlo lived in constant pain. Do you think this pain influenced her paintings and if so, how? What other aspects of her life are known to have influenced her work?
- How does director Julie Taymor bring Kahlo’s work to life in the film? Do you think it works?
- Why do you think Frida Kahlo has come to be considered one of history’s great feminist icons?
REVIEW STARTER
Frida Kahlo’s passion for life and colour is vibrantly evident throughout this 2002 biopic starring Salma Hayek…
EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP ( 2010, 15)
An edgy and thought provoking documentary – or is it? – about the mysterious graffiti artist Banksy
DISCUSSION POINTS:
- What if anything does this film tell you about Banksy? Do you think he really exists? And if not… who is responsible for his ‘art’?
- Not everyone is a fan of graffiti, why does Banksy need to disguise his identity? What in your opinion makes graffiti art?
- What do you think of Mr Brainwash’s art? If you were a graffiti artist what would you call yourself and why?
REVIEW STARTER
Cool to the point of confusion, you’re never quite sure whether Exit Through the Gift Shop is really a documentary or a work of fiction…
Take it further
Why not start a free film club in your school or college now? Members can also review films for the website, find out the latest industry news, watch exclusive reports from premieres and awards ceremonies, interact with filmmakers through live webcasts and win great prizes in a host of competitions. To find out more or register for a free, online start-up session visit filmclub.org, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 0207 288 4520.
