Image via Complex Original
Even in the best movies, we miss all sorts of detail. However, sometimes a set can tell you just as much as dialouge. Directors tend to put a lot more thought into building a world in their films than the average audience member comprehends, so there's bound to be stuff you missed. The visual language of a movie is largely defined by the set because it constructs the world of the film.
Many set designers aim to showcase awesome artwork that underlines the themes of the film. Some of these pieces are purely aesthetic choices, and some have deeper meanings. Next time you're on Netflix, take a closer look at some of the paintings on the wall. Here are 20 Art Pieces You Never Noticed in Your Favorite Films.
American Gangster (2007)
After Frank Lucas' rise to power, he is seen at a party with his associates. Drugs and cocktails are involved, and when someone is shot in the leg, Frank comes to their aid. The paintings in the luxury apartment where the party takes place are references to the monotone abstract expressionist paintings of famed artist Franz Kline.
American Hustle (2013)
David O. Russell's masterpiece pays homage to classic American art with a Colonial portrait hanging in the background of this pivotal scene.
Scarface (1983)
The walls of Tony Montana's mansion are adorned with frescos of figures in various violent or sexual situations. In the final scene, we get a glimpse of one that may be inspired by Italian master Caravaggio. The work depicts a man holding the head of his enemy, victorious. The work could be inspired by Caravaggio's Salome with the Head of John the Baptist (1607) or David with the Head of Goliath (1610).
X-Men: First Class (2011)
The sets of Sebastian Shaw's boat featured a lot pieces based on famous artworks. This one in particular stands out due to its humorous nature. The appropriately aquatic painting behind Kevin Bacon and January Jones is an imitation of a Matisse painting entitled Still Life with Gold Fish Bowl (1911).
Django Unchained (2012)
In the top most corner of this scene, you can see a painting that may be inspired by Titian or other Renaissance nudes. The painting makes use of the classic position of the reclining female figure.
Zombieland (2009)
In a hilarious sequence where the protagonists of the film hide out in Bill Murray's mansion, imitation Andy Warhol prints can be seen featuring Murray's lovable mug.
500 Days of Summer (2009)
This scene takes place in the Redwood Bar & Grill, and the painting in the background was apparently commissioned for the bar itself. It is a piece by Louie Metz entitled Ship of Death.
I Am Legend (2007)
All of the art featured in I Am Legend was donated by the Modern Museum of Art. Van Gogh's A Starry Night is visible in Neville's living room during the film, and he also owns this Van Gogh piece entitled Road With Cypress and Star (1890).
The Devil Wears Prada (2007)
Behind Miranda, in a scene that takes place in her home, you can spot a piece by Wayne Thiebaud.
American Psycho (2000)
Patrick Bateman sure had style. Sitting in his apartment is an iconic but untitled piece by American painter Robert Longo that is part of his Men In Cities series. The somber and stark work looks as if it depicts a man is being cut in half, perfectly fitting for the world's most charming serial killer.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
The painting that hangs in Mia Wallace's house is a portrait of the character done by the brother of the chief graphic designer on the film, Steven Martinez. He receives a special credit at the end of the film for his contribution.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
During his epic day off Ferris and company visit the Art Institute of Chicago and check out some of the work there. The film marks the first time movie scenes had been shot in the museum, and the pieces featured are favorites of director John Hughes himself.
Kick Ass (2010)
The film pays homage to Andy Warhol by using a couple of his Guns prints as some of the artwork found in the villain's pad.
Equilibrium (2002)
This badass scene takes place in front of a traditional painting likely from the Romantic period.
Skyfall (2012)
James Bond meets the Quartermaster for the first time in this scene set in London's National Gallery. Much of the art in Skyfall is meant to reinforce the film's central themes of change and modernity. The two paintings featured in this scene are Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump (1768) by Joseph Wright of Derby and Thomas Gainsborough's The Morning Walk (1785).
Iron Man (2008)
A dope abstract expressionist work hangs in the the entrance of Tony Stark's apartment.
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 (2011)
In the background of this scene, one can see a painting by Sarah Ashley Longshore. The work features a painting of a lunar moth, a common subject depicted by the artist.
The Great Gatsby (2013)
The interior of Jay Gatsby's extravagant house is lined with classical paintings, as easily demonstrated above. The huge Renaissance paintings emphasize the sense of luxury and grandeur of Gatsby's abode. In particular one can see Caravaggio's Resurrection behind DiCaprio.
Beetlejuice (1988)
In the background you can see what is possibly an imitation of the work of William De Kooning. The piece, much like De Kooning's iconic paintings, blends figuration and abstraction to a haunting effect. The work was likely produced for the film itself as the stark monotone colors fit director Tim Burton's typical color pallet, and the distorted figures may be a reference to the movie's ghostly subject matter.
Batman (1989)
In the background of this scene you can spot Francis Bacon's Figure With Meat (1954).