Customer Reviews

Vincent & Theo [VHS]

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I am happy VINCENT AND THEO has finally been released in some form, though I wish it had been a DVD. This is--bar none--the best film ever made about the life of Vincent van Gogh.

As as Van Gogh junkie, I've taken no less than three college level courses on the man and his art, read many books about him, viewed every available film made about his life, visited the sites where he painted in Europe, and viewed his paintings in museums all over the world including the fabulous collection at the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam -- once in 1990 when the museum hosted a retrospective of his art on the 100 year anniversary of his death.

I am more or less a Tim Roth fan and have seen most of his films. Tim Roth has captured Van Gogh, the man and the artist. Paul Rhys (Gallowglass-PBS Mystery) has captured Paul Van Gogh, and the fabulous Dutch actress Johanna Ter Stege (Frau Beethoven in Immortal Beloved) has captured Paul's faithful wife.

What if Vincent had succeeded as a minister in the Dutch Reformed Church? What if his sensitivity to the suffering around him had fed his depression until he decided to end it all before he began to paint. What if Paul had not provided financial support to his apparently failed artist brother. What if Paul Van Gogh and his wife had discarded Vincent's paintings when he died (only about 3 were sold in Vincent's life time). What if Mrs. Paul Van Gogh had tossed out Vincnet's paintings when Paul died shortly after Vincent. What if!! But Mrs Van Gogh saved the paintings, and Paul's family gave the paintings to the Netherlands some years later.

The vast majority of Vincent's paintings, as well as the Van Gogh brothers complete collection of the Hiroshege print series depicting the pilgrim's way to the sacred city of Edo, reside in the TWO Van Gogh museums in the Netherlands. Yes, there are two museums--Vincent painted at the rate of several paintings a day in his final three years in the south of France. There are six sunflower paintings (but only one 'Roses' given to the National Gallery in Washington DC. by Mrs. Harriman).

Van Gogh's art was inspired by the newly developed art of photography, as well as the West's discovery of Japanese prints in the 19th Century. The fabulous cinematography of VINCENT AND THEO reflects this "print" perspective--cropped action with connections outside the frame.

Many of the camera shots in VINCENT AND THEO are faithful recreatations of Vincent's paintings. First we see the "natural" shot. Then we see the actual painting Vincent was insprired to create. For example, the room at Arles is captured in all it's Yellow, Blue, and Red simplicity. Then we see one of the painting(s) of Vincent's Room. In other shots, plum blossoms float on the air, crows fly overhead while the reaper sows his seeds, and sunflowers rustle in the breeze--fields and fields of sunflowers.

See this film. Buy this film. This is a beautiful film.

"Vincent and Theo" is an atypical film for Robert Altman - no repartee, no overlapping dialog, almost no humor, little overt social commentary. But who better than this fiercely independent and creative director to paint a cinematic portrait of the intense, complex relationship between the wildly creative and eccentric 19th Century artist, Vincent Van Gogh, and his brother, Theo?

The movie covers only the last years of their short, extraordinary lives, but these are among the most important historically because Vincent produced so many masterpieces during them. I assume the screenplay is based on the many letters the brothers sent to each other. Considering the chaos that filled their lives, it is almost miraculous that Vincent's works survived, not to mention the letters. Vincent and Theo certainly didn't survive the chaos.

Tim Roth and Paul Rhys are brilliant as, respectively, Vincent and Theo. Ordinarily, it might be irritating to have two main characters with so many tics and odd physical mannerisms, but the idea works here because it cements the illusion that the two are brothers in every way. Vincent may have the artistic genius, but in every other way, they are cut from the same mold.

The photography is stunning, especially in the sections where we see the scenery colored much the way Vincent might have seen it. The locales are well chosen, and the sets and costumes look appropriately late 19th Century European.

One of the advantages of modern cinema's freedoms is that it can show historic figures with warts and all, and Altman takes full advantage of this. Vincent is scrawny and has rotten teeth, while Theo is obviously syphilitic. Not to disparage biographical movies of fifty years ago, such as the 1956 film about Van Gogh, "Lust for Life" with Kirk Douglas, but I find these modern visions much more truthful and accessible. Somehow, by humanizing such people, their genius seems somehow more amazing and profound.

This is one of Altman's more difficult movies, but it is also one of the most rewarding. If there is a social message to it, it must be this: As a society, we have forgotten or dismissed the idea that artistic geniuses are, more often than not, not blessed with certain important social skills. This is a primary reason why they must and should be supported, just as Theo selflessly provided emotionally and financially for his tormented, graceless brother who sold just one painting in his lifetime. Theo was reputedly the buyer.

While many film enthusiasts may consider it blasphemy, I would argue that Robert Altman's "Vincent and Theo" is a far superior film to Vincente Minnelli's 1956 classic "Lust for Life". Credit is due to Altman, of course, but mainly due to the absolutely perfect performance by Tim Roth. Roth is a wonder--he truly brings Vincent van Gogh to life. Again, many consider Kirk Douglas's Van Gogh to be the standard, but I honestly feel that Roth's performance exceeds Douglas's in every respect.

Van Gogh wasn't first and foremost a crazed ear-slasher, but rather a man of great passion and depth. Roth captures this beautifully. The other characters in the film do an excellent job as well (particularly actress Johanna Ter Steege who plays Theo's wife, Jo).

Apparently there's a six hour version of this film that's only ever been available in Europe. This reminds me of my only criticism of the movie--that two hours just isn't enough time to properly capture the rich tapestry of Van Gogh's life and art.

I'm more than someone who appreciates the art of Vincent van Gogh -- I'm a painter and writer. I was influenced by the work of van Gogh at a young age, and through my years of struggle for self revelation, the power of his work has only grown in my mind. I came across this film about van Gogh in the early 90's and it immediately struck me as the most powerful piece of cinema -- about art or otherwise -- that I had ever seen in my life. Everything ugly and everything that is beautiful about the pursuit of art is effectively portrayed in this film. Where "Lust for Life" sugar-coated elements of the artist's life, in this film we see the dark side of Vincent's life without apology. Well shot and very well acted in a straight forward, no nonsense manner. Written very true to life -- Tim Roth BECOMES Vincent to a frightening degree. I've seen virtually every movie about art and artists -- nothing comes remotely close to this movie for its harshness, truth, and beauty.

VINCENT AND THEO is one of the finest cinematic biographies of an artist's life, mind, idiosyncrasies, and delayed appreciation of genius to date. The multitalented Robert Altman created this brilliant masterpiece in 1990 and though this VHS version (where oh where is the DVD?!) of the American release is slightly over two hours in length, there apparently is more of the story meandering the European theatre. Altman has the sense and sensitivity to create a script based on the letters of Vincent van Gogh to his brother Theo van Gogh, a man equally as tortured as his famous brother but in different ways: Theo dedicated his life as an art dealer in Paris in the late 19th century attempting to sell his brother's art. But Theo was even more than a brother supporting Vincent's unappreciated genius paintings, he also cared for Vincent's livelihood, provided 'bought' companions such as Gauguin to live with him in hopes of mutual communication and creative impetus, and tended to Vincent's problematic mental eccentricities that resulted in self mutilation and 'hospitalizations' in mental institutions. Altman has crafted this story with intensive research and there rarely is a scene for the action that does not in some way reference one of van Gogh's paintings: the screen is alive with the sunflower fields, the wheat fields, the poplars, the billiard table, the dank quarters in Arles and the oddities of the studios in Auvers, the bars and brothels, the salons of Paris. But all of this would be for naught if the film were not well cast. Tim Roth is totally immersed in the role of Vincent to the point that from his red hair, rotten teeth, hunched swagger, and body language, he IS Vincent. Few actors can make us tolerate a man so bent on harming himself and so full of emotional pain that his physical outbursts become obnoxious in their frequency. Roth not only shows us this side of Vincent, but he transcends the public shell with the inordinately tender aspect of Vincent's brain. As Theo, Paul Rhys is as extraordinary in his breadth of characterization as is Roth. The well chosen supporting cast includes Wladimir Yordanoff as Gauguin, Jean-Pierre Cassel as Dr. Gachet, and Johanna Ter Steege as the bizarre wife of Theo, to mention only a few. The cinematography is breathtaking and the consummate musical score by Gabriel Yared captures the inner workings of van Gogh's agonizingly tangled mind while still soaring with the incarnations of the landscapes van Gogh painted. One only hopes that the complete version of this film will be made available on DVD - for artists, for art libraries, for art lovers, and for all of us who care about the special qualities of genius that sometimes sleep until time and taste awakens them. Brilliant!

This 1990 Film is still widely overlooked. This is unfortunate, as the power, emotion and tragedy relating to the struggles and strife in the lives of the brothers Van Gogh are so well illustrated here. Well worth the purchase price on VHS, its unfortunate there has not been a DVD release!

The relationship between Vincent and Gaugin is of such a serious nature and portayed as the straw that broke the camel's back. Whether this is not the case, historically, is debatable, but the film is nonetheless riveting and understandable.

After seeing the fine portayal of Vincent, i was moved to feel a need to go out, into the fields of my imagination and paint. Paint color, light and expression, in the same way Van Gogh did. That is quite a feat and left me with even more respect for this feature.

An unblinking and unsentimental look at the unique relationship between Vincent Van Gough and his brother Theo, who supported Vincent throughout his life and career. Explores the parallels and similarities between the brothers despite their leading very different sorts of lives. Theo could never sell a single painting of Vincent's during his lifetime, but was convinced of his brother's genius. Displays the working and private lives of both men, and shows the torment of both men as well, without resorting to cliche or going overboard (ala Lust for Life). Both men died tragically and young....within a year of each other. Yet, Vincent's singleminded devotion to his art and Theo's to his brother, insured that the world would have the treasures of his genius. Only complaint, some of the dialogue is muttered in undertone and is hard to catch. But, a minor complaint to a fine film.

Of all the movies I have seen none have captured more sad images than this one. There are scenes in this film that will break your heart. Van Gogh was one of the most misunderstood figures in art. When his name is mentioned we always think about the ear, or about paintings with thick harsh lines that almost resemble a child-like technique. But who really knew the man? His brother Theo. And through his eyes and letters we learn about the madness and the sorrow that permeated his life. Vincent wanted to love but he was so enshrouded by the creative process that he could not be a good father or husband. Sure he was gentle and had a sense of decently, but was incapable of carrying out such a "mundane" task. His heart and head had higher aspirations but during the time in which he lived, people did not understand or appreiciate his work. Vincent wanted friendship and communication but often he was belittled and mistrusted. Other than his brother, Gaugin tried to reach this tortured soul. But by the age of 37 Vincent had given up.

This story is so often repeated. Robert Altman's film helps us understand that creative people can sometimes be totally ignored--only to have a far-off generation appreciate them

But that's the tragedy ...

Yes; this is a must see!
If you are an art lover and can feel the energy in Van Gogh's Painting's; this Movie will add to ones feeling's of what drove Van Gogh to create such impressive oils. When I was in high school I remember my Art teacher asking us what we thought about famous oils she had displayed. I stated " I do not like Sun Flowers!" Why, was her response. I told her I did not like the way it makes me feel!! Well I was informed that was what made Van Gogh so famous. He was a great force in Emotionalism. In later years I realized how great his stuff was. He reflected his life and situations in his paintings. They can be felt. Why should I ramble about my own life? Well This movie is a work of emotionalism in itself. I realized this after trying to paint a way that expressed my own emotions. I did not realize this until I myself walked pass a Poster Shop in a mall. Sitting on an easal was a painting by Van Gogh. Yep; He had done what I was fighting to do!! Realizing this I went home and painted my emotions on canvas. My emotions were so much different but he paved the way. This movie let me relive my new found love of Van Gogh's work. It connects you to his life, which in turn is his paintings. No movie I have ever watched can pull you in so fast and hard as this one. It is as if the director pulled you into one of Van Gogh's paintings. Which again, was his life.

A fine movie well worth watching. Strong performances by both lead actors. Van Gogh is portrayed somewhat darker than he should have but no doubt (Van Gogh) devotee or not,viewers are likely to enjoy this suberb art film. "Lust for Life" beats this film only in the sense that the Kirk Douglas starrer was filmed on the actual locations sites. But in all other matters this film still beats the excellent film "Lust for Life" is.