Host Leonard Nimoy took a turn writing this informative and poignant look at troubled but gifted Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh, who produced over 1800 works of art, yet did not profit by it in his lifetime. Instead, poor Vincent was beset by emotional and health problems that may have been linked to Epilespy, a neurological disease that went undiagnosed at that time, though now is treated with medicine. Vincent apparently heard sinister voices in his head, that led him to sever part of his ear, a most chilling sequence. He later died from a self-inflicted gunshot, while his devoted brother Theo later succumbed with grief months later. Mr. Nimoy is presented on location investigating these two men, as he was involved with a one-man show "Vincent", and his sincerity and passion for the material is most effective.
5 Reviews
A wonderful episode
dtucker863 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
People don't realize that in addition to playing Mister Spock Leonard Nimoy was also an accomplished stage actor during the 1970s. He toured all over the US appearing in various productions from Shakespeare to playing Sherlock Holmes to musicals like The King And I. However, perhaps his most acclaimed role on the stage was a one man show he develped called Vincent where he plays the tormented artists brother Theo talking about Vincents life proclaiming his genius and disputing the long held belief his brother was a madman. Nimoy actually traveled to France and obtained records from the asylum where Van Gogh was held after his ear slashing and found evidence that Vincent suffered from epilepsy not insanity. He explores this issue in depth in this very special in Search of exploring Van Goghs life and the beauty he created in spite of his inner hell. The best part is the moving monologue he delivers in the end reenacting Theo's last moments with Vincent. This is a really great In Search Of.
One of the best, if not the best episode of In Search Of...
blackcatloner25 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
In this touching episode of In Search Of..., Host Leonard Nimoy embarks on a personal search to find out the truth about legendary painter Vincent Van Gogh. Many have called Van Gogh insane but Nimoy suggests that this was not the case but instead theorizes that Van Gogh suffered from epilepsy.
The scene where Nimoy walks into the room where Van Gogh dies after a self-inflicted gunshot wound and quotes Van Gogh's brother's account of the troubled artist's last moments is actually some of Nimoy's best work as an actor (second only to his death scene in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan).
Without a doubt one of the best, if not the best episode of the series.
The scene where Nimoy walks into the room where Van Gogh dies after a self-inflicted gunshot wound and quotes Van Gogh's brother's account of the troubled artist's last moments is actually some of Nimoy's best work as an actor (second only to his death scene in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan).
Without a doubt one of the best, if not the best episode of the series.
A sad episode.
mm-3915 January 2017
Warning: Spoilers
A sad episode. Leonard Nimoy who played Vincent's brother in a play wanted to find out the truth about Van Gogh. We learned of Van Gogh's brilliance as an artist. The story of Van Gogh who sliced a piece of his own ear off, shot him self, and was hounded by external and personal demons. Nimoy though Van Gogh was elliptic but not insane, which could explain Van Gogh state of mind with out medication. The reading, explanations etc were very personal for Nimoy. We find the actor/artist side of Nimoy in the Van Gogh episode. My wife thought Van Gogh suffered a mental illness. Maybe one day we could find the truth. In Search of had visits to the town in France, and were Van Gogh drank coffee, the mental hospital were interesting. A few interviews, but more Nimoy's personal interpretation of events. A personal In search of for Nimoy. 7 out of 10.
Season 4 Episode 16
Michael_Elliott22 August 2016
In Search Of... "Vincent Van Gogh" (1980)
Host Leonard Nimoy starts off this episode talks about how most people believe that Van Gogh was crazy but he then states that they have found proof that proves that claim to be false. For the most part this is another entertaining episode that works quite well as a bio of Van Gogh. There's really nothing too mysterious in this episode as the story is told pretty straight and the only real thing that they're searching for is whether or not Van Gogh had some sort of illness. Fans of the series should be entertained by this one.
Episode: B+
Host Leonard Nimoy starts off this episode talks about how most people believe that Van Gogh was crazy but he then states that they have found proof that proves that claim to be false. For the most part this is another entertaining episode that works quite well as a bio of Van Gogh. There's really nothing too mysterious in this episode as the story is told pretty straight and the only real thing that they're searching for is whether or not Van Gogh had some sort of illness. Fans of the series should be entertained by this one.
Episode: B+
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