Hilma

Before Kandinsky and Mondrian supposedly invented abstract painting there was an unknown Swedish artist, Hilma Klint, who began paining huge abstract works in the late 19th century. Hilma by Swedish director Lasse Hallström is a marvelous tribute to this amazing woman. Curious about the deeper mysteries of life from a young age, the film explores how she was drawn to the metaphysical world of spiritualism and embraced the works of Theosophy founder Helena Blavatsky, and particularly Anthroposophist Rudolf Steiner. These studies infused her paintings which were realized in a conservative, patriarchal time when only men were considered serious artists. Beautifully shot and superbly acted by Tora Hallström as the young Hilma and her real life mother, Lina Olin, as the older artist, the film is an essential introduction to a woman who only achieved fame after her death.

Hilma af Klint (Tora Hallström, Lena Olin) was born in 1862 Sweden. She becomes an artist in a male-dominated world. She and her fellow female artists are dismissed. They form a collective which seeks communion with the spirits. Her art would mostly be ignored during her lifetime until it is rediscovered in modern era.

This is a functional standard biopic. I wish the artistic process could be presented better. The lesbian romances are kept mostly under the covers. Hilma herself is rather frustrating. Maybe she had a mental illness but the movie is not that illuminating. I really like those initial giant canvases, but I don't care that much about the black and white swans. Some of the later stuff looks like 70's mod style and that's interesting for when she is rediscovered. The most compelling scene is actually the end. Finally, I may prefer to have an aged Tora instead of substitute Lena Olin. Lena is a great actress, but it could be interesting to keep the same actress. Like Hilma herself, this movie needs some aggressive self drive.

Is the life of Hilma af Klint this uninteresting or does Lasse Hallström fail to make this movie interesting?

The movie is slow and have few dramaturgy turns. A big disappointment.

It was very interesting to see mother and daughter act in the same movie thou. And some of the other actors did a solid work. But why not in swedish? It feels a bit weird to see swedes speak english. The only reason why must be to try to make the movie international but af Klint is probably to unknown to get a big spread.

Another part that brings down the ratings is the bad views of old Stockholm. It feels cheap and low budget.

You can do better, Lasse.

The film tells the story of the Swedish pioneer of abstract art, who worked before Kandinsky. She then fell into complete obscurity, only to be rediscovered decades after her death.

However, it's not a classic biography. Those expecting a "she was born, she studied, she created this, and that" film may not be satisfied.

The film is poetic, slow-paced, and impressionistic. Spiritual séances and individual conversations with spirits were of great importance to the main character. We repeatedly observe Hilma in a state that 21st-century people would typically interpret as a personality disorder. In Hilma's time, it would probably have been called artistic hypersensitivity.

Many personal threads are only in the background and are not developed. We don't learn why her brother dislikes Hilma so much that he doesn't even let her into the house. The plot very subtly suggests the love between Hilma and the nurse, but it's done so subtly, as if it were a taboo subject (perhaps some family prejudice during the filming?).

In summary, the film presents a very interesting character of an artist who is completely unknown to the general public, but does so in a way that feels hermetic. It's a very interesting film for those who enjoy personal dramas and art history. However, I don't think it will appeal to a wider audience.

Lasse Hallström has created yet another fantastic movie.

I watched this movie and was in awe, of the magical Hilma, of the way the movie is filmed and the magnificent cast.

As a spiritual person, an artist myself and someone that attended a Rudolf Steiner school it made a huge impression on me!

Hilma was indeed a gifted person, and I am happy to see this movie show her ability and art in such an artistic way.

It is sad how the biggest minds and artists in this world of ours have so often been misunderstood and not appreciated until after their death.

I for one am happy I have become aware of Hilma.

I really recommend anyone with an open mind and eager to learn to watch this movie.

It is mesmerizing,