Modigliani and Picasso

The last movie blog of the quarter deals with the relationship between Picasso and Modigliani. Their relationship was very complex. Discuss their relationship as friends and as artists.

I just realized as I was sitting down to write this blog entry, I was conveniently listening to Pablo Picasso by The Modern Lovers. Listening to the lyrics and comparing the Picasso seen in the Modigliani to the lyrics of the song, the description of Picasso are polar opposites. The movie portrays Picasso as a rich, self-centered individual who takes pleasure in messing with the emotions of his "friend", Modigliani. The lyrics to the song, Pablo Picasso repetitively state how Picasso was an attractive man that women admired. There is a lyric in the song that says, "Pablo Picasso was never called an asshole." While watching the movie, however, all I could think of was how much of an asshole he really was portrayed to be.

Moving forward (I am sure the lyric comparison was not as relevant as I had thought), Modigliani and Picasso were well aware of their talents, and while they respected one another, they also had lingering tension due to their competitive behaviors. Picasso seems to envy Modigliani's social popularity, but seems to be unable to resist his strong character. Modigliani views Picasso as an uptight, and conservative character, and enjoys mocking him at times. They appear as polar opposites of one another, Modigliani being a poor free spirit, while Picasso has made a stance in the world and admires his god-like reputation. Their clashing personalities cause them to have a love-hate relationship between one another.

When Picasso and Modigliani visit Renoir, their friendship is seen more clearly. They as artists have similar influences and admiration towards other artists, and even while driving back, they manage to make fun of one another in a lighter manner.

Picasso's admiration for Modigliani as a friend and artist is witnessed by the painting he submits to the competition. While he tends to treat him in bad ways, there is a shift in the analysis of Picasso's treatment of Modigliani. Modigliani as an artist seems less motivated than Picasso, and not as interested in competition and recognition for his work. Picasso, however, sees the greatness in Modigliani's work, and in order to edge him on, has to emotionally harm him. While it seems like a heartless and pointless act in the movie, in fact, it does work in enabling Modigliani to eventually enter in the competition. It is probably true that Picasso does enjoy seeing Modigliani upset, yet there is a plan in the moves that he makes. Picasso does want Modigliani to get the proper recognition, but he also enjoys competing with him.

Modigliani seems to take Picasso's acts pretty seriously, as witnessed by the scene where Picasso finishes painting Jeanne. Modigliani walks out in rage, violently kicking and smashing things. I believe that Modigliani understands Picasso's intent, but does not enjoy how far Picasso goes in order to edge him on.

While they both admire one another, Picasso and Modigliani are polar opposites in personality, yet share common influences as artists. They respect one another in a sense, but tend to disrespect one another in the actions that they make.