Adaptation of Irving Stone's fantastic novel of the same name. Recreates the madness that inspired Vincent Van Gogh and also shows footage of the original lanscapes & people that moved him to create some of the most famous pieces of art ever known. Kirk Douglas, quite naturally, fits the bill of the crazed lunatic. But the american accent does jar and seem out of place. Anthony Quinn is impressive, in an Oscar winning performance, as Paul Gauguin. The discussion on their respective motivations to paint is quite interesting. And intense, of course.
Vincente Minnelli created, apparently, one of the most picturesque and original movies of his time. But to me, the performances and dialogues were way too dramatic (just like the movie versions of Fountainhead and To Kill a Mocking Bird). Thats the way movies were made - but my image of Irving Stones story was a lot quieter.
Worth a watch - especially, if you wish to see the landscapes that inspired V V G - and a whole lot of his art which are less famous.
Rating: * * +
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