15 February 2016

MEMORABLE MUSEUM MOVIES: A READING BREAK MUST!

MUSEUM MONDAYS

BY: MAYA DONKERS

Welcome to winter reading break 2016!

As my fellow classmates make some serious attempts at staying productive by actually reading, writing, and studying, I have decided to put a stop to all productivity and introduce some well-deserved relaxation.

Let’s all admit defeat to the books, grab some popcorn, and learn about museums in a way that is more um... suited to the break in reading break.

1. The Thomas Crown Affair


What better way to kick off a list than with Pierce Brosnan? Although this film is known to star Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo, it also features René Magritte – in a not so obvious way. IMDb best describes this heist movie as, “A very rich and successful playboy amuses himself by stealing artwork, but may have met his match in a seductive detective.”

If you’ve seen it before, a second (or third) time never hurts. If you haven’t, check out the trailer below. 


2. Midnight in Paris


Although not the most conventional “museum movie” on this list, it is one of my personal favourites and has plenty of stunningly saturated Woody Allen-style museum moments. Starring Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, and Kathy Bates (amongst many others) it is hard to choose which artist portrayal is your favourite. For me, Adrien Brody as Salvador Dalí wins every time.

Whether you are - or aren’t - a Woody Allen fan, don’t let Rachel McAdams down by passing on this movie! 


3. The Woman in Gold


Warning: do not confuse this movie with Woman in Black. That movie was terrifying. This one is heart-warming.

Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds will leave you smiling as you follow the restitution efforts of Maria Altmann and her lawyer, who take on the Austrian government to recover artwork she believes rightfully belongs to her family.

The trailer may be beautifully done, but anyone who has seen a Klimt in person knows that very few things are more stunning than that. 


4. Atlantis: The Lost Empire


Stereotyping the museum in cartoon form is one of the things this movie does best. However, it remains a necessary throwback to some much-needed Disney time. Join the young adventurer Milo and his group of explorers are they try to find the lost continent of Atlantis.

If you never saw it as a child, now is your chance! If you did, watch it again (but try to avoid the ever-creeping critical thinking of Exhibition, Interpretation, Communication).


5. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off


Always a classic, not only did this movie make my list, but it also made the Smithsonian’s “Five Movies that Memorably Feature Museums.” We all know the scene to look out for: Ferris skips class with his girlfriend and best friend to take a life-affirming joy ride through Chicago, which includes posing with paintings at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Enough said, you know what to do.


Recommended snacks: popcorn (any and all varieties), Ben & Jerry's Half Baked, soft liquorice, any kind of chocolate covered nut, and/or Miss Vickie's Sea Salt & Vinegar. 

I hope these movies keep all my fellow MMSt-ers happy and busy over the break. Choosing five was hard, there are so many great films out there that feature museums. Have one in mind? Name the movie in the comments section below so everyone gets a chance to check it out!


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