I frequently discuss art-related documentaries on this blog, but from time to time I delve into the world of cinema to highlight films with overt art historical references or that creatively use art to enhance the storytelling process. I even created a YouTube series – How to Read a Movie – to illustrate how filmmakers frequently utilize color, symbolism and repeated stories in their work. These elements – color, symbolism and stories – often act as art historical “clues” to deciphering (or “reading”) a painting and I love connecting these two visual art forms. Paintings and films have a lot in common when it comes to art!

The past few years I have been exploring the horror genre and have been pleasantly surprised to find multiple artistic refences in a variety of films. Notable auteurs include Ari Aster, Jordan Peele, Michael Flanagan and Robert Eggers. These filmmakers approach their films like epic works of art and their use of color, symbolism and stories transform their films into paintings that have come to life.

A relatively new auteur to add to the bunch is Nia DaCosta, who not only directed the film Candyman (2021), but also contributed to its script. This film is considered a direct sequel to the horror film of the same name released in 1992. DaCosta took a cult favorite horror film and resurrected it, transforming into a powerful story that feels, sadly, even more relevant today.

I loved it!

First of all, art world references abound. The main character is a painter seeking his next big break. The events take place in Chicago and scenes were shot at the Museum of Contemporary Art. There is quite a bit of art world jargon, including discussions between curators, gallerists, artists, museum curators and art critics.

Second, this film makes exquisite use of the art historical “clues” – colors, symbols and stories.

I know that the horror genre is not for everyone and this one in particular includes quite a bit of violence and gore, so be warned if you decide to watch it. I really don’t want to give anything away because part of the appeal is how the story reveals itself as you watch. To avoid spoilers, I will make suggestions for things to consider if you decide to take the plunge.

Here are some things to look for…

COLORS

-Pay attention to the colors worn by the characters. Some wear hues in the warm yellow and orange range which could reference honey – which is sweet like candy – and is also associated with bees.

-Which character wears green? Green frequently symbolizes renewal, youth, new growth and spring.

-At which point in the story do the characters wear primarily black and white clothing? What happens in the story to inspire this transition?

SYMBOLISM

-The main character constantly wears a red beanie until a specific plot point in the story. Why does he take it off? Wear does he leave it?

-One character encounters the ubiquitous Candyman as a child in a basement laundromat. As an adult, this same character runs his own laundry business. Why?

-Why do bees seem to follow the Candyman? Bees are sometimes a symbol of resurrection and even the concept of infinity as their flight pattern resembles a figure eight or the infinity sign.

STORIES

-The very concept of storytelling is integral to the film. In fact, one character acts as a sort of storyteller or guide or soothsayer-like figure to the main character. Visually, when this character relates a story, shadow puppets are used to act out the events. Why the choice to use shadow puppets? Why not use other, more common cinematic devices like flashbacks or a montage?

-Resurrection is a theme explored heavily in this film. What mythological or religious figures have experienced resurrection? Is resurrection possible for anyone or a select few?

-Comic books tell us that superheroes can seemingly live forever – even when their bodies die, another person can take up their mantle. Is the Candyman a hero or a villain?

If you decide to watch this film or have already watched it, please feel free to leave your thoughts and observations in the comments.