Lust for Life (1956)

You look too fast!

The above title was my favorite line from Lust For Life. Without a doubt Kirk Douglases' finest performance. Vincente Minelli definitely did his homework on Van Gogh for this film.

While watching it, I couldn't help but think of Don McCleans' song 'Vincent' a moving tribute to the tortured artist. Actually, that song would have been a good contribution to the DVD's director commentary. May 19, 2008

I can't take this anymore!

I gave this film a watch recently, after a period of about 12 years. I am still impressed by Kirk Douglas. He is DEFINITELY one of Hollywood's best actors! In "Lust For Life", he may very well have done his best work. Of course, he can't be ignored with his portrayal of Spartacus, but there is more accurate historical reference in regards to Vincent Van Gogh. That Van Gogh was mentally ill is irrefutable. It is curious, that civilization still has no place for people with Van Gogh's "condition".

The see-saw highs and lows that Van Gogh experienced were convincingly portrayed by Douglas. I believe it has everything to do with Kirk Douglas' expressive face. While it may at times, appear as though cut from rock, you can easily see what's going on just by looking at that face!

Anthony Quinn, likewise, did a fantastic job portraying Vincent's friend, Gauguin. The period in which these two men lived must have been full of wonder at the natural world, the likes of which we very rarely see today, because we are so preoccupied with "Modernization". This wonder is expressed in Van Gogh's paintings. While some may be dismissive of his style, he was savant-like in bringing the richness of what he saw onto canvas. In "Lust For Life", we are witness to the demons that plagued Van Gogh for the majority of his life, and ultimately became the engines of his own destruction.

It is painful at times, to see a man so at war with himself, yet able to convey a sense of utter calm in his paintings. During the infamous "ear scene", it is difficult to watch him succumbing to his demons so fully, that physical pain brings no relief to him.

"Lust For Life", for those who have not seen it yet, is a powerful film on the life of one of history's greatest painters. His works are displayed on-screen at the beginning and the end of the film. The performances of the film's principle actors is nothing short of phenomenal! Folks, they just don't make them like this anymore. April 22, 2008

Lust for Life

The condition was as described by the vendor and was delivered in a timely fashion. February 8, 2008

Powerful movie

I purchased this DVD as a stocking stuffer for my husband. We watched it together in preparation for an upcoming trip to Amsterdam. The movie, which chronicles the life and struggles of the Dutch painter, Vincent Van Gogh, was very well done and one of Kirk Douglas' best performances. It was troubling at times due to a heart-rending depiction of Van Gogh's serious mental illness. Other strong performances by Anthony Quinn, who played the painter Paul Gauguin, and James Donald, who played Van Gogh's brother, added to the enjoyment of the movie. The film was visually stunning and one was able to see the evolution of Van Gogh's art. I look forward to my trip to see Van Gogh's art in person. January 12, 2008

Starry, Starry Night

Kirk Douglas is at his finest in his portrayal of Vincent van Gough, the tortured painter who wanted so much, but was held back by his continuing mental illness. In today's world, Vincent would be put on a regimine of drugs, and lived a life of obscurity. In his day, his only relief from the inner torment was through his painting. It's interesting to note that he was never recognized a great painter until long after he snuffed out his own life. At one time, one of his former landlady's used some of his paintings to cover up holes in her barn, Many of his paintings have been lost forever to time, but the ones remaining are now looked upon as some of the most heart-felt paintings ever done. With Anthony Quinn portraying Paul Gaugin, the movie unfolds to show a life of highs and lows, of a man tortured by his own mind. Perhaps that's what draws us to Vincent today; each of us can see a part of ourselves in the paintings of a man that few understood. Only now do we recognize the genius of this man. It's well acted, well directed, and being able to see the real paintings of this man bring the story to life. December 7, 2007

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