Van Gogh (1991)

The final 67 days of Van Gogh's life is examined.

Director:

Maurice Pialat

Writer:

Maurice Pialat

Stars:

Jacques Dutronc, Alexandra London, Bernard Le Coq

2 wins & 12 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jacques Dutronc	...	Vincent Van Gogh
Alexandra London	...	Marguerite (Gachet)
Bernard Le Coq	...	Théo Van Gogh
Gérard Séty	...	Gachet
Corinne Bourdon	...	Jo
Elsa Zylberstein	...	Cathy
Leslie Azzoulai	...	Adeline Ravoux (as Leslie Azoulai)
Jacques Vidal	...	Ravoux
Chantal Barbarit	...	Madame Chevalier
Claudine Ducret	...	Professeur de Piano
Frédéric Bonpart	...	La Mouche
Maurice Coussonneau	...	Chaponval
Didier Barbier	...	L'Idiot
Gilbert Pignol
André Bernot	...	La Butte Rouge

Storyline

In late spring, 1890, Vincent moves to Auvers-sur-Oise, near Paris, under the care of Dr. Gachet, living in a humble inn. Fewer than 70 days later, Vincent dies from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. We see Vincent at work, painting landscapes and portraits. His brother Theo, wife Johanna, and their baby visit Auvers. Vincent is playful and charming, engaging the attentions of Gachet's daughter Marguerite (who's half Vincent's age), a young maid at the inn, Cathy a Parisian prostitute, and Johanna. Shortly before his death, Vincent visits Paris, quarrels with Theo, disparages his own art and accomplishments, dances at a brothel, and is warm then cold toward Marguerite.

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Plot Keywords:

inn | brothel | painting | baby | prostitute | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexuality and nudity

Details

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

30 October 1992 (USA)

Box Office

Gross:

$138,720 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Erato Films, StudioCanal, Films A2

Technical Specs

Runtime:

158 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"Je suis Monsieur Lautrec"
(uncredited)
Music and Lyrics by Bernard Le Coq and Maurice Pialat

User Reviews

Great Portrait of Van Gogh & His Last Days

If you haven't seen this movie yet, set aside a few hours and treat yourself to this gem of a film.

Jacques Dutronc is great as the Von Gogh, but Alexandra London is fantastic stealing almost every scene she is in with Dutronc. Bernard Le Coq as big brother, Theo, turns in a good controlled performance as well.

The supporting cast is also first rate.

The movie covers the last two months of Van Gogh's life from his arrival in Auvers sur Oise ( then a sleepy suburb 17 miles from Paris) until his death from apparently self-inflicted wounds. He is buried there by the way, next to his brother Theo, and the inn where he stayed is still standing. (Google "Auvers-Sur-Oise") The sad part is that Van Gogh appeared to suffered from a form of depression, if it were today it could have been treated with proper medication. If he had lived 110 years later he might have been fine.

I loved the research they appeared to do on everything from period trains, blacksmiths, inn keepers, farmers, day laborers, other artists and family members. It has an authentic feel to it.

Another good part is the lack of a sappy soundtrack to detract from the story at hand. The lack of a soundtrack renders it almost as if you are standing in the same town watching what is going on. "Excuse me, are you Vincent Van Gogh?" The picture is beautifully photographed and as one IMDb'er from France pointed out in his comments "some sequences along the river look like Renoirs's paintings" It's true.

Don't miss this.