Lust for Life (DVD, 2006)

The VHS version of "Lust for Life" came out in 1956! So this DVD is an antique portrayal by a young Kirk Douglas of deranged and socially outcast painter Vincent Van Gogh. I don't suppose that too many people remember that Van Gogh was a failure as an evangelist, but this is the highlight of the first part of the show and part of what made him a social outcast and added to his deep depression. He wanted to feel useful. So he became a painter, rather by accident, with his brother Theo (Jame Donald) encouraging and financing him to be a credible artist.

It is in the late 19th century when Parisian impressionists were beginning to alter the art world. Van Gogh was not exposed to their paintings until after he'd completed many that went unnoticed. Abusive and arrogating artist, Paul Gauguin (Anthony Hopkins) viewed Van Gogh as a genius, and moved in with him to mentor him. However, Van Gogh was seriously disabled with epilepsy and mental disorders that frequently made him go out of control. (This was prior to the 20th century break throughs that Sigmund Freud et al ushered in to the psychiatric world). While Van Gogh was locked up in a sanitarium, he created the bulk of his most famous art. After his release from the Sanitarium, he was still considered a social outcast and never received acclaims for his artistic brilliance while he was alive. Thus, I would call this fine film a tragedy.

Vincennte Minnelli directed this film, an adaptation by Norman Corwin of Irving Stone's best seller. If you like Van Gogh's paintings here's your chance to see them.

I bought Lust for Life to use for my Fine Arts class in high school. The story of Vincent van Gogh, who was so talented, yet so tortured, is a wonderful lesson in life. Kirk Douglas does a great job portraying the gifted artist. This is a great DVD for anyone wanting to learn more about van Gogh. His story shows how such a talented man did not have an easy life, but really suffered through mental illness to pursue his art.

Lust for Life is the best movie on Vincent Van Gogh . This move portrays both accurate information and entertaining all rolled up in one. It uses actual original paintings (on loan from Art Museums around the world) filmed into the story where and when Van Gogh painted them…It has great acting appropriate for all ages. .They just don’t make movies like this anymore.. My Students are going to love this film.

This is my all-time favorite movie. It's a Masterpiece! It is Kirk Douglas's best work and his physical resemblance to Van Gogh is astounding. The wide screen version on DVD enhances the director's vision and his use of color shows a sensitivity to the subject matter. One of the best movies ever filmed.

I think it is great that they were allowed to show the original artworks of Vincent Van Gogh in this movie. I bought it because I saw this movie on T.V. and I wanted to add it to my collection. I am an Artist myself and people have said that my artwork reminds them of Van Gogh's artwork, I share some other eerie things in common with Vincent (even shooting myself in the gut, I used a 44 Magnum!). Anyway, every person is different and truly special. I would recommend this movie to anyone who would like to watch a great movie. And you are able to see some of my artwork at; My Art Space dotcom (Search for "Peterrific Everett".) Have a great night.