As a huge fan of Van Gogh, this film really let me down. I wasn't betting on it being that good, since it had Robert Altman directing the film, a filmmaker known for making extremely boring films, and Tim Roth playing Vincent.
My low expectations were not rewarded. No one has any real conversations in the movie. It's just a long line of taunting, hissy-fits and unspoken feelings running high.
Theo's story has been virtually unheard of, due to his brother's overwhelming talent and popularity. But this version of his story doesn't do the art dealer any kind of justice. He is aggressive, whiny and seemingly just as mad as his brother. He is needlessly cruel to his wife and neglects his baby. Worst of all, there is no genuine portrayal of tenderness towards his brother Vincent. Their relationship, although tumultuous at times, was extremely loving, sweet and caring in real life, but I find none of it here.
Tim Roth as Vincent simply just doesn't cut it for me. Just like his paintings, Vincent was variegated, passionate, intense and caring, as well as troubled, manic and deeply sad. Roth, who is known for playing gangsters or London thugs, is portrayed as nothing more than a bipolar painter who harms himself.
The script also just made the film very boring indeed. There is no nuanced flexibility in the story arc of the Van Gogh brother's lives. I didn't really feel any artistic passion or benevolent feelings for the characters.
If you want a good portrayal of Vincent Van Gogh, watch Benedict Cumberbatch in Van Gogh Painted With Words, or Tony Curran in the Doctor Who episode "Vincent and The Doctor". These two performances give out a much better understanding of the man behind all of the famously rich, vibrant paintings.
My low expectations were not rewarded. No one has any real conversations in the movie. It's just a long line of taunting, hissy-fits and unspoken feelings running high.
Theo's story has been virtually unheard of, due to his brother's overwhelming talent and popularity. But this version of his story doesn't do the art dealer any kind of justice. He is aggressive, whiny and seemingly just as mad as his brother. He is needlessly cruel to his wife and neglects his baby. Worst of all, there is no genuine portrayal of tenderness towards his brother Vincent. Their relationship, although tumultuous at times, was extremely loving, sweet and caring in real life, but I find none of it here.
Tim Roth as Vincent simply just doesn't cut it for me. Just like his paintings, Vincent was variegated, passionate, intense and caring, as well as troubled, manic and deeply sad. Roth, who is known for playing gangsters or London thugs, is portrayed as nothing more than a bipolar painter who harms himself.
The script also just made the film very boring indeed. There is no nuanced flexibility in the story arc of the Van Gogh brother's lives. I didn't really feel any artistic passion or benevolent feelings for the characters.
If you want a good portrayal of Vincent Van Gogh, watch Benedict Cumberbatch in Van Gogh Painted With Words, or Tony Curran in the Doctor Who episode "Vincent and The Doctor". These two performances give out a much better understanding of the man behind all of the famously rich, vibrant paintings.