Directors often choose a specific kind of genre to make films in, for example, Christopher Nolan’s films about mystery and timelessness are the ones that work best while Chloe Zhao specifically works in films that understand humanity a little better, even if it is a superhero film. In the following Damien Chazelle films about art, the filmmaker explores a certain kind of obsession with their craft and how that becomes pertinent in shaping their lives and relationships around them.
Funnily, if we had a nickel for every time Damien Chazelle made a film about the obsessive nature of art, we would have three nickels, but it is weird that it has happened so often. Without any further ado, let’s check out these magnificently shot and curated films.
Damien Chazelle Films About Art
Whiplash
This is an old film starring Miles Teller and JK Simmons as protagonists. Teller’s character is studying to become a drummer so he can join the best music company after graduating. While the movie starts off optimistic about his talents, it turns sour and bitter as the film progresses. Music is really not forgiving of mistakes, and Simmons’ character proves that at every forefront. However, considering Teller’s love for the craft and the instrument, it becomes apparent that the two of them work together in the best and sometimes worst way possible.
This film explored how dedication can be fruitful for an artist. When their entire lives revolve around this singular thing, it is important to make sure to do it even when it kills them. A lot of times, it feels like there is only one thing we have in our lives, and it would be incomplete if we didn’t pursue it. Whiplash shows what it would be like to feel this and go to the other end of the extreme, where you keep coming back to the craft to make sure you don’t lose it. This film is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
La La Land
Two people who are struggling to make it in life have been brought together in a twist of fate. It is such that their lives entangle with each other in a way that forces them to grow in each other’s presence. While the story is about love, it is mostly about surviving in a city about breaking people’s spirits. There is optimism and a playfulness that wasn’t present in the preceding film. This one stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling as protagonists whose unexpected friendship takes a turn for the better when they become lovers.
However, love is not enough to sustain their dreams. In a weird continuation from the Whiplash break-up scene, we are reminded that passion in art and passion in love don’t mix in very well, and time is of the essence, especially when you need to give it to someone. We see how their careers end up suffocating the other, while they struggle to make ends meet.
The final shots, when we see an alternate reality of the two characters together, are the real indicators of the heart of the film. The part that explores what would have happened if they didn’t let their passion for art cloud their judgement. La La Land is available to stream on Netflix.
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Babylon
Set during the time of drugs and debauchery in the 1920s, this film explores the lives of actors who are just figuring out how to stay relevant as technological advancements move to make silent films obsolete. For Margot Robbie’s character, it is about finding the kind of fame that would turn her into a star. When she meets Diego Calva’s character, things change between them, and he becomes smitten; however, she doesn’t care much about men at the moment.
However, this film does explore the elusiveness of being relevant in art. It is still about obsession and finding your worth in this one craft, but now it is coupled with the fact that circumstances are changing too fast for people to keep up. The by-product of being good at art is able to afford luxury, and when that gets taken away there’s suddenly a drive to do things that haven’t been done well before. On the flip side, we have people who are adjusting to this industry quite well, even when the industry doesn’t want to embrace them.
Babylon shows what it is like to change with the times, with what people like in order to become successful. There is always a level of superiority that people cannot come down from. This film shows that when it comes to art, there is no such thing, forgetfulness is easy, and obsolescence is just around the corner. This film is available to stream on Paramount+.
What do you think makes films about artists so popular? Let us know in the comments below.
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