Ever wonder at the beauty that seems such a basic part of the natural world? Artistic elements can be seen in natural environments. Nature and studio art are both endlessly visually compelling, and there is no better way to experience the beauty than through film. In order to understand and interpret human fascinations with the world through art, we must turn to look at the nature surrounding us.
Artistic elements within nature can easily be shown through alien planets. In James Cameron’s Avatar (2009), we can see extreme beauty in environments new to the human eye such as floating land masses, alien creatures, and glowing plants. This movie shows nature through a new lens along with human desire to destroy it. Avatar does an amazing job of providing lessons about the environment through a unique perspective.
(Image – Avatar (2009). IMDB.com. 20 January, 2025 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0499549/mediaviewer/rm2864126209/?ref_=tt_ov_i)
More interested in action superhero movies? Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther (2018) is a great fit for you! While providing action along with a compelling storyline, this movie proves to be a first pick for many movie-lovers. When combining science-fiction with native African environments, we get to see jaw-dropping visuals. Follow the main character, T’Challa, as he takes his place as king of the African nation of Wakanda, and discovers the powers of the Black Panther.
(Image – Black Panther (2018). IMDB.com. 20 January, 2025 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1825683/mediaviewer/rm172972800/?ref_=tt_ov_i)
3. La La Land
Broadway lovers and film enthusiasts commend Damien Chazelle’s rendition of the broadway classic: La La Land (2016), one of the most colorful and strikingly beautiful films I have ever seen. Watch a tale of two lovers experiencing euphoria while being drawn together doing things they love. However, watch as success in their careers creates difficult decisions for them and their love. This movie captivates with the beauty of its theatrical production, and uses nature and lighting to its full advantage.
(Image – La La Land (2016). IMDB.com. 20 January, 2025 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3783958/mediaviewer/rm3967749632/?ref_=tt_ov_i)
Ever wonder about the connections between nature and mental health? By watching The Secret Garden (1993) one can see the importance of nature and its effects on the brain. Follow the story of a wealthy, spoiled girl who is sent to live in England after her parents pass away in India. She discovers a hidden garden in the estate and, with the help of some new friends, she restores the garden back to life and uplifts all of their spirits. This movie uses soft, natural lighting, along with outdoor environments to create wonder throughout the film.
(Image – The Secret Garden (1993). IMDB.com. 20 January, 2025 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108071/mediaviewer/rm1135078401/?ref_=tt_ov_i)
One of the most well-known movie franchises of all time, sit back and relax as you experience the thrilling storytelling of Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games (2012). This movie does an incredible job of portraying society vs. nature, the dystopian, and the utopian. While living in a dystopian world, Katniss Everdeen is forced to participate in the annual ‘Hunger Games’, a spectacle for the rich to enjoy as members of each district fight to the death. Throughout the movie we see visual differences between natural and artificial environments. While partaking in the ‘Hunger Games’, we see Katniss use her natural surroundings to her advantage in order to ensure her survival.
(Image – The Hunger Games (2012). IMDB.com. 20 January, 2025 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392170/mediaviewer/rm2750895873/?ref_=tt_ov_i)
Sophie Tompkins is a freshman at Indiana University majoring in Environmental Science and Sustainability and minoring in Fine Arts. This is the start of her second semester at Media Services, and she is excited to work with Media Services in her upcoming years at the Herman B Wells Library!
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