Movie Reviews for Lust for Life

Lust for Life

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Movie Reviews of Lust for Life

Movie Review: Lust for Life- A teacher's perspective
Summary: 4 Stars

I purchased this movie to show to my middle school students. I did have to tell them that Kirk Douglas is Michael Douglas's Dad. He does a wonderful job of playing an over the top sensitive yet disturbed Van Gogh. Although not rated, I would probably give it a rating of PG. The imagery is wonderful! The extras and actors chosen to portray the subjects of Van Gogh's paintings were so eerily accurate. The scenery is beautiful, and many of Van Gogh's most famous works are reproduced in scenes. My students enjoyed seeing "Van Gogh's Bedroom" brought to life, as well as the many portraits of his friends. The actor who plays the postman is just wonderful. Anthony Quinn is an excellent Paul Gauguin. The friendship between the two is quite touching and the students seem to really understand what a tortured soul Van Gogh was.

I did obtain parent permission because of the drinking, smoking and fighting in the movie, the violence of the ear cutting is not shown graphically but there is a bit of blood, and he does shoot himself in the end. Mild language, Vincent says "hell" several times. They insinuate that his girlfriend is a prostitute but that seemed to go over their heads. Also, they do drink absinthe although most of them did not know what it was.

Their favorite part was of course when he cut off his ear. I think the acting is a little bit over the top, but I loved it. I would recommend this movie to teachers and anyone that is familiar with Van Gogh's paintings and wants to see them brought to life. The visual aspect alone makes it extremely worthwhile, and outweighs any heavy handed acting.

Movie Review: Powerful movie
Summary: 4 Stars

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.

Movie Review: You look too fast!
Summary: 4 Stars

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.

Movie Review: Van Gogh
Summary: 4 Stars

Movie follows life and times rather accurately with only a little deviation. Very cool to see how Vincente Minelli utilized the actual locations to portray the story. Timeless story captured!