Edvard Munch (1974)

Following a rough chronology from 1884 to 1894, when Norwegian artist Edvard Munch began expressionism and established himself as northern Europe's most maligned and controversial artist, ... See full summary »

Director:

Peter Watkins

Writer:

Peter Watkins

Stars:

Geir Westby, Gro Fraas, Kerstii Allum

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Geir Westby	...	Edvard Munch
Gro Fraas	...	Fru Heiberg
Kerstii Allum	...	Sophie Munch - 1868
Eric Allum	...	Edvard Munch - 1868
Susan Troldmyr	...	Laura Munch - 1868
Ragnvald Caspari	...	Peter Andreas Munch - 1868
Katja Pedersen	...	Inger Munch - 1868
Hjordis Ulriksen	...	Housemaid - 1868
Inger-Berit Oland	...	Sophie Munch - 1875
Amund Berge	...	Edvard Munch - 1875
Camilla Falk	...	Laura Munch - 1875
Erik Kristiansen	...	Peter Andreas Munch - 1875
Anne-Marie Daehli	...	Inger Munch - 1875 (as Anne Marie Dæhli)
Johan Halsborg	...	Dr. Christian Munch - 1884
Gro Jarto	...	Laura Catherine Munch - 1884

Storyline

Following a rough chronology from 1884 to 1894, when Norwegian artist Edvard Munch began expressionism and established himself as northern Europe's most maligned and controversial artist, the film also flashes back to the death from consumption of his mother, when he was five, his sister's death, and his near death at 13 from pulmonary disease. The film finds enduring significance in Munch's brief affair with "Mrs. Heiberg" and his participation in the café society of anarchist Hans Jaeger in Christiania and later in Berlin with Strindberg. Through it all comes Munch's melancholy and his desire to render on canvas, cardboard, paper, stone, and wood his innermost feelings.

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Plot Keywords:

august strindberg character | character name as title | edvard munch character | period drama | death | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History | Mystery | Romance

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Quotes

Narrator: I felt as if there were invisible threads between us. I felt as if invisible threads from her hair still twisted themselves around me. And, when she completely disappeared there, over the ocean, then I felt still how it hurt, where my heart bled, because the threads could not be broken.

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Connections

Referenced in Scream: The Inside Story (2011)

User Reviews

Hard to watch but an interesting interpretation of the art process

I think it is a film for those interested in creative process and or Edvard Munch.

I had no idea how bleak Norwegian life was yet as the film postulates it is out of bleakness new ideas can flourish.

I enjoy the film most when 19th century life in the Norwegian city of Kristiania (Oslo) is described. The legalized prostitution, the walks/promenades, the puritan lifestyle.

I enjoyed it least post Munch's affair/relationship I understand Munch's obsession with his lover and I think they match it well with his desire to create art yet this I feel is also the weakest part of the film. The endless shot of him and her post relationship give the film a monotony that had me checking my watch and wondering "how long IS this film?"...

Still I feel it is worth watching as the way the film is shot has it moments when it makes you feel part of the Bohemian culture and pub life. It was like I was there, especially when the actors look into the camera.

It is also interesting to note that the actors had a huge part in creating and contributing lines to the film. A truly collaborative film...

Details

Country:

Sweden Norway

Language:

French English Norwegian German Swedish Danish

Release Date:

12 November 1974 (Norway)

Also Known As:

Edvard Munch

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,961, 19 June 2005

Gross USA:

$43,539

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$76,949

Company Credits

Production Co:

Norsk Film, Norsk Rikskringkasting (NRK), Sveriges Radio

Technical Specs

Runtime:

210 min 174 min (theatrical)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1