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Information

Year
1956
Runtime
122 min.
Directors
George Cukor, Vincente Minnelli
Genres
Drama, Biography
Rating *
7.4
Votes *
6,029
Checks
1,249
Favs
67
Dislikes
7
Favs/checks
5.4% (1:19)
Favs/dislikes
10:1
* View IMDb information

Top comments

  1. Siskoid's avatar

    Siskoid

    I watched Lust for Life in the wake of Kirk Douglas' departure from these realms, a Van Gogh biopic to which he evidently gave his all with a vigorous performance as the tortured painter, with a script based on letters between him and his brother (it's one real misstep is having the brother read the letters in voice-over, which just seems confusing). Lust for Life doesn't shy away from speaking the language of the arts, and Vincent has many philosophical discussions with other people in the art world about aesthetics and techniques, which I found particularly interesting. The film is also shot in the places where he painted, juxtaposed with the actual works, its sense of place adding lush spectacle to a story that's essentially a downer. But mostly, it paints (ha!) the picture of a difficult man who has since become the poster boy for mental illness, but without leaning into the Van Gogh myth. That is to say, he isn't some isolated, misunderstood genius, just one who, through a combination of starting late, dying young, and being a bit of a terror in his personal life, never achieved mainstream success in his lifetime, but an artist who brought the same passion to his art he did to everything he got involved with (including his stint as clergyman). We have this image of Van Gogh in our minds, and the film defies the expectations it creates. 4 years 1 month ago
  2. GodPepper's avatar

    GodPepper

    I enjoyed this one. 12 years 5 months ago
  3. Dieguito's avatar

    Dieguito

    Van Gogh is my favorite painter!! Great movie!! 12 years 6 months ago
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In 3 official lists

  1. This movie ranks #90 in Spike Lee's Essential List of Films for Filmmakers
    Spike Lee's Essential List of Films for Filmmakers's icon

    Spike Lee's Essential Li…

    90
  2. This movie ranks #511 in The New York Times's Book of Movies
    The New York Times's Book of Movies's icon

    The New York Times's Boo…

    511
  3. This movie ranks #526 in David Thomson's Have You Seen?
    David Thomson's Have You Seen?'s icon

    David Thomson's Have You…

    526
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