In recent years, European cinema has experienced a new craze for Art Nouveau, also known as Modernism, which reached its peak during the late 19th and early 20th century. This artistic style with its flowing lines, natural ornaments, and refined decorativeness, is once again becoming a source of inspiration for creatives.

Bringing the Past Back to Cinema

The film “Poor things” (2023) by director Yorgos Lanthimos features interiors inspired by the aesthetics of Art Nouveau. The film’s sets are filled with bizarre geometric shapes and abstract structures, that emphasise the absurdity of what is happening on screen, whilst complementing the original plot of the film. Such visual elements bring sophistication and romantic charm to the film, characteristic of the Art Nouveau era.

Reasons for Popularity

The resurgence of interest in Art Nouveau can be attributed to several factors. Audiences feel nostalgic for past eras, in turn, making retro aesthetics ‘appealing’.

Art Nouveau also offers a rich visual language that allows for the creation of unique and memorable images. Modern technology makes it possible to recreate complex decorative elements with high precision, which was previously difficult.

Criticism and Concerns

However, some critics express concerns that Art Nouveau may become merely a marketing tactic aimed at attracting audiences, without a deep understanding or respect for the historical context of the style. There is a risk of Art Nouveau turning into a superficial trend, stripped of its original meaning and artistic value.

Balancing Art and Commerce

To ensure that Art Nouveau’s use in film does not become a commercial tactic, it is important for creatives to deeply understand the history and philosophy of the style. Only with this understanding can creatives produce work that is both visually appealing and rich in content. Art Nouveau is not simply an aesthetic choice, but a reflection of a specific cultural and artistic movement that sought to elevate design to an art form and break with industrialisation.

If filmmakers approach Art Nouveau, without a true understanding of its origins and ideals, filmmakers risk reducing such style to a superficial trend devoid of its original artistic value.

By focusing solely on superficial appeal, there is a danger of misrepresenting Art Nouveau and robbing it of its meaning. This balance between commercial appeal and artistic depth will allow Art Nouveau to flourish as a significant and enduring visual language in contemporary cinema.

Art Nouveau in European cinema reflects a desire for aesthetic sophistication and a search for new forms of expression. However, one must go beyond superficial glamour by appreciating the deep cultural and historical roots of such style.

Only then can Art Nouveau become more than just a visual decoration – it can truly enhance the narrative and enrich the art of cinema.