Watch Artemisia Gentileschi, Warrior Painter

Artemisia Gentileschi was a talented 17th-century painter who became famous not only for her magnificent artwork but also for her resilience and strength. The movie Artemisia Gentileschi, Warrior Painter, sheds light on this remarkable figure and her journey to becoming one of the greatest Italian painters of all time. The movie opens with a young Artemisia (Melissa Pignataro) living in a patriarchal society where women are not given the same opportunities as men. Her father, Orazio Gentileschi, is a well-known painter who recognizes her talent and encourages her to pursue her passion. However, he also puts her to work as his assistant, expecting her to do tasks such as grinding pigments, cleaning brushes, and preparing canvases.

Despite this, Artemisia remains determined and decides to become a painter in her own right. She begins to study art with Agostino Tassi (Francesco Martino), against her father's wishes. Tassi, a handsome and charming man, takes advantage of Artemisia's youth and innocence and uses her for his own gratification.

The movie portrays the brutal rape of Artemisia by Tassi, which is a defining moment in her life. She does not give in to shame or reclusiveness but instead takes Tassi to court, seeking justice for what he has done. The trial is a long and difficult process, but Artemisia remains steady and strong, never giving up. She testifies against Tassi and proves to the court that she is not lying about what happened.

The trial also becomes a turning point in Artemisia's life as it shapes her into the warrior painter we know today. As a result of the trial, she gains autonomy, becoming independent both in her artwork and in her life. The movie takes us through her artistic journey, showcasing her artwork and how she develops her own unique style.

Artemisia's artwork is powerful and highly emotional, often depicting strong women who have been wronged in some way. She showcases her resilience in her paintings, making them political statements that reflect her experiences. The movie does a great job of focusing on the themes of female empowerment, sexual assault and the struggle of women within the art world.

The movie was beautifully shot with historic locations authentically represented. The costumes and sets reflect the era of 17th-century Italy, with stunningly accurate recreations of the artwork of the time. The cinematography is also impressive, capturing the emotional depth of the characters and the beauty of the painted scenery.

Angela Curri is fantastic as Artemisia, portraying the complex emotions that would have dominated her during those difficult periods of her life. The way she conducted herself during the trial is reflected beautifully through Curri's eyes. Artemisia's powerful artwork is vividly portrayed in a way that does justice to Artemisia's own talent, with Melissa Pignataro’s art displayed throughout the movie.

In conclusion, Artemisia Gentileschi, Warrior Painter is a wonderful movie with a powerful message. It is an inspiring story of a woman who refused to be defeated by the male-dominated society of her time. It tells a tale of strength, resilience and the power of artistry. For anyone who is a fan of history, art or just great storytelling, this movie is an absolute must-see.

Artemisia Gentileschi, Warrior Painter is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour.