Van Gogh (1991 film)

Van Gogh

Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	1991
Founder	Maurice Pialat
Products	Biographical drama film

Van Gogh is a 1991 French biographical drama crafted by writer, producer, and director Maurice Pialat. The film features Jacques Dutronc portraying the Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, a performance that garnered him the 1992 César Award for Best Actor. Set during the year 1890, the narrative explores the final 67 days of Van Gogh's existence, concentrating on his interactions with his brother Theo, the physician Paul Gachet—who was immortalized in Van Gogh's Portrait of Dr. Gachet—and women such as Gachet's daughter Marguerite.

Selected for competition at the 1991 Cannes Film Festival, the movie was also France’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 64th Academy Awards, although it did not receive a nomination.

Renowned filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard acclaimed the work, describing it as "astonishing" and transcending previous cinematic boundaries.

Cast

• Jacques Dutronc as Vincent van Gogh
• Alexandra London as Marguerite (Gachet)
• Bernard Le Coq as Theo van Gogh
• Gérard Séty as Gachet
• Elsa Zylberstein as Cathy
• Corinne Bourdon as Jo
• as Adeline (credited as Leslie Azoulai)
• as Ravoux
• as Madame Ravoux
• Chantal Barbarit as Madame Chevalier
• Claudine Ducret as Piano Teacher
• as La Mouche
• Maurice Coussonneau as Chaponval
• Didier Barbieras as The Idiot
• Gilbert Pignol as Gilbert
• as The Red Mound

Approach to biography

This film is distinguished by its restrained and non-melodramatic depiction of Van Gogh’s life, setting it apart from Vincente Minnelli’s Lust for Life. Rather than centering on Van Gogh’s artistic achievements, this 158-minute feature delves into his troubled personal connections and gradual mental deterioration. It deliberately excludes well-known events such as the ear mutilation episode to instead shed light on societal conditions in late 19th-century France.

Critic Desson Howe from The Washington Post highlights that the movie deliberately omits typical highlights and the infamous "Ear Thing," opting instead to portray Van Gogh as a relatable individual confronting ordinary challenges. Scenes depict him carrying canvases without revealing his celebrated masterpieces.

Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes, Van Gogh holds a 77% approval rating based on 13 critiques, with an average rating of 7.2 out of 10.

See also

• List of submissions to the 64th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film
• List of French submissions for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film