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

"Où va la jeune indoue (L'air des clochettes)"
(uncredited)
from "Lakmé"
Music by Léo Delibes
Sung by Claudine Ducret

User Reviews

Understated, Underrated Masterpiece

I loved every golden minute of this film. It was honest, sensitive and respectful of the artist and anyone who loves Van Gogh's paintings and wants the fly-on-the-wall glimpse of his last days on earth will be in for a wonderful experience.

Unlike such films as "Lust for Life" with the Academy Awards so visibly in mind, this one doesn't offer any mad scenes, or pulpitizing or self-mutilation. In other words, if you are looking for Kirk Douglas chewing up the scenery or Stanley Kramer, bullhorn in hand, preaching one of his messages, or, heaven forbid, "Mondo Cane", this will be a disappointment. Unlike so many biopics of artists' lives, this one doesn't sell out to the mass audience with cheap histrionics. It dares to respect its subject and treat it humanely and humbly.

Every object, every face, every scene evokes what Van Gogh would have witnessed himself before his death. Just walking through a field evokes the thrill of recognizing the scene from one of his paintings! As undramatic as it may seem to some, it's really quite exciting for those of us who revere the artist and his work. In fact, I was actually angry at the end of the film that the beauty finally had to stop.

I would recommend this with all my heart to those viewers who love Van Gogh's paintings and are in search of a film that respects the artist in his dying days. It is moving and honest.

Curtis Stotlar