Lust for Life
An intense, visionary artist, the esteemed Dutch master Vincent van Gogh wields unmistakable talent, yet battles mental turmoil and chronic frustration with failure. Backed by his loyal brother Theo, the tormented painter abandons Holland for France, where he encounters the volatile Paul Gauguin and wrestles to kindle deeper inspiration.
Director(s)
Al Jennings
Vincente Minnelli
Cast & Crew
Details
Reviews
John Chard
Violence makes me sick. I have too much inside me, I'm afraid of it. Lust for Life is a biography film of revered painter Vincent Van Gogh. It is adapted from Irving Stone's fictionalized biography by Norman Corwin and stars Kirk Douglas, Anthony Quinn and James Donald. It's directed by Vincente Minnelli, cinematography is by Freddie Young and Russel Harlan and music is scored by Miklos Roza. This shines bright as a beacon in how Hollywood used to make a biopic the right way. Not a big commercial success as such, it has however gained critical praise the older it gets. Technically it's hard to fault, the colour lenses in CinemaScope, Roza's beautiful mood accompaniment score, and the direction and acting - with Douglas inhabiting Van Gogh and likewise Quinn for Paul Gauguin (Oscar Winner Best Supporting Actor) - bring this tragic story vividly to life. It tugs the heart strings while it also inspires, while for art lovers the use of Van Gogh's real paintings (Minnelli was trusted to film with ultimate care) is an added joy. A super piece of film making. 9/10
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