Van Gogh (1991)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  159 Minutes

Rated: 15

Genre: Drama, Biography, Adventure

Director: Maurice Pialat

Starring: Jacques Dutronc, Alexandra London, Bernard Le Coq, Gérard Séty, Leslie Azzoulai, Elsa Zylberstein

IMDB Rank: 7.1/10

Part 1 Time:  111 Minutes

Part 2 Time:  48 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Vincent Van Gogh (Jacques Dutronc) proceeds to disparage his own art and accomplishments. He argues with his brother Théo Van Gogh (Bernard Le Coq) who is attempting to sell off some of Vincent’s paintings.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “I bet if I throw them out the window, they’ll be there tomorrow. No one’ll touch them. Even men and bums,” shouts Vincent.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Here Mr. Van Gogh, your onion soup,” states a Waiter as he delivers food to Vincent.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal, Vincent has begun to regress in his mental state and is beginning to question his self worth. His argumentative behaviour and self-loathing is creating a wedge between his personal relationships.

Which part is better? This anti-melodramatic film details the last 67 days of Vincent Van Gogh’s life. Very little time is devoted to his art and work, but rather this personal relationships and declining mental state. Part one is much better as we are able to see Van Gogh’s internal mental struggle as well as the inspiration behind some of his last paintings.

Academy Awards: None

Other Awards: 1991- Palme d’Or (Nominated)