Yaj Patel
Jan 27, 2024
Professor Pohlad
LSP 112
Brushstrokes of Womanhood:
Exploring Women Characters in Artist Biopics
p.1
Behind every great woman ... is another great woman.
-Kate Hodges, Author
In artist biopics, women are crucial because not only do they contribute
significantly to developing the storyline, but also play a pivotal role to help define what it
means to be artistically excellent. As seen in the films Maudie(Aisling Walsh, 2016), Mr.
Turner (Mike Leigh, 2016), At Eternity’s Gate (Julian Schnabel, 2018), Frida(Julie
Taymor, 2002) and Pollock(Ed Harris, 2000), each of these movies provide us with a
special setting where the story and narrative, with detail, picture the main female artist,
and those around her. As we dive into this visual style, the relationships between certain
characters, and the societal expectations in these films, a clear main idea is seen, which
helps guide the viewers through both the film and plot. Whether or not female
characters contrast with male leads or even defy societal norms, their impact on each
and every storyline is extremely significant. The depiction of women artists in cinema,
exemplified by characters like Maud Lewis(Sally Hawkins), Frida Kahlo(Salma Hayek),
and Lee Krasner(Marcia Gay Harden), shows off appearance, resilience, and individual
expression, which shows the pivotal role women play in each of the films.
In movies like Maudie and Mr. Turner, female artists are shown with a focus on
personal resilience or supportive roles, which sheds light on the impact of relationships
in these films. In Maudie, for example, the focus is more on the intimate and personal
aspects of a female artist's life as it disregards the physical challenges that occur in her
life. When Maudie(Sally Hawkins) is shown painting in her house, it allows for the
audience to see the resilience that she contains, and the passion she has to help drive
p.2
her career as an artist. On the other hand, Mr. Turner(Timothy Spall) sees women more
as supporters. This does not undervalue their importance to the film and can be seen
through Sophia’s(Marion Bailey) character; she was involved with Mr. Turner's personal
life in a more intimate way. She acts as a stabilizing force in which she impacts his
emotions and reveals how personal connections can affect an artist's work. Each film,
through its unique lens, shows the lives of female artists and the impact of their
relationships.
Either on the canvas or film, female artists like Maud Lewis(Sally Hawkins), Frida
Kahlo(Salma Hayek), and Lee Krasner(Marcia Gay Harden) were the center of attention
and each character can be seen to show strength, determination, and unique
expression through their lives. In Maudie, Maud Lewis(Sally Hawkins) is portrayed with
a hardworking and passionate personality. It seems that her hopes for her art is an
escape from the cruel world, and a place where she can pour her heart and soul into.
The freedom of expression can be seen in the scene where she joyfully paints on the
walls of her home. She is a very genuine person and as the film starts to progress, she
starts to stand her ground and not let anyone control her life or push her around.
Maudie(Sally Hawkins) uses her art to overcome different adversities in her life, through
the wish of freedom and expressing herself.
Frida Kahlo(Salma Hayek) comes across as a bold, passionate individual as she is
always just herself. Her character's free spirit is very clear in how she fearlessly speaks
and handles adversities, and she approached her art with the same intensity. For
example when Frida(Salma Hayek) was asking for a critic and all Diego(Alfred Molina)
p.3
did was compliment her art. She did not take no for an answer and expected some
feedback which she demanded. Frida(Salma Hayek) really wants to express herself and
figure out who she is, even with what society expects of her. Her art also was very
political. A specific scene is when Frida(Salma Hayek) paints while she is in her bed
injured; she emphasizes her resilience and determination to use art as a form of
personal and political commentary. In Pollock, his wife, Lee Krasner(Marcia Gay
Harden), is shown as a strong and supportive figure. She remained loyal to Jackson
and even when he struggles with alcoholism and angry behavior, she always cares for
him. Krasner(Marcia Gay Harden) is portrayed as a talented artist in her own right, and
her character reflects a mix of determination, love, and frustration.
Like many films, characters, such as Maud Lewis(Sally Hawkins), Frida
Kahlo(Salma Hayek), and Lee Krasner(Marcia Gay Harden), have distinctive styles that
reflect their personalities through costumes, makeup, and hairstyles. First, Maudie was
portrayed by Sally Hawkins, showing simplicity in her appearance. It seems the
filmmakers really tried hard to not over do her look. Her costumes reflect her rural life,
with normal dresses and minimal makeup use. Maudie's(Sally Hawkins) hair is usually
just normal, never really done but this really emphasizes her down-to-earth character. In
Mr. Turner, Sophia Booth, played by Marion Bailey, had more of a clear and elegant
appearance. Sophia's(Marion Bailey) outfits look fancy, showing she's supportive of
Turner. She doesn't wear much makeup and keeps her hair not too overdone. Next in
Frida, Frida Kahlo, portrayed by Salma Hayek, is known for her iconic appearance.
Frida's(Salma Hayek) clothes are bright and show her Mexican heritage. She wears a
bunch of traditional jewelry too and she also wore a lot of traditional jewelry. Her
p.4
unibrow and makeup really signify her character, which is a lot different than the normal
beauty standards. In Pollock, Lee Krasner, played by Marcia Gay Harden, is symbolized
by a classic and professional appearance. Her costumes are very tailored and
sophisticated, which really signify her role as an artist in the New York art scene. Lee's
makeup is normal and her hair is neatly styled. Maudie(Sally Hawkins) and Lee
Krasner(Marcia Gay Harden) both embrace a straightforward and practical style,
mirroring their resilience in the face of challenges. Overall, the women characters'
appearances are all different, reflecting the time periods and personalities portrayed in
each film.
The portrayal of women artists which can be seen through characters like Maud
Lewis (Sally Hawkins), Frida Kahlo (Salma Hayek), and Lee Krasner (Marcia Gay
Harden), underscores the significance of women in films and how they are crucial to
shaping the plot. From Maudie's(Sally Hawkins) resilience to Mr. Turner's support roles,
each film has a unique view. Women like Maud Lewis(Sally Hawkins), Frida
Kahlo(Salma Hayek), and Lee Krasner(Marcia Gay Harden) have different personalities
and dreams. Their looks, from simple to vibrant, add to their characters. If we go past
the stories, they are not women just supporting; they're the main characters.