The personification of Vincent Van Gogh by Jacques Dutronc shows where in at least one respect the Dutch TV-series 'Van Gogh; a house for Vincent' completely failed. But also in direction and storytelling, Maurice Pialat shows a superior sense of what is truly important: catching the right (vibrant or depressing) atmosphere, boldly attacking the awkward issues that were at hand in Van Gogh's life, and not watering it all down for prime time audiences with - for instance- some later living, unimportant relatives.
I must admit, though, that the long scenes of dancing and partying did wear me down a little at some point. It still felt authentic, but as the Dutch would say, it was: "A little too much of a good thing." The ending was the only real disappointment, when Marguerite (a terrific role by Alexandra London, nonetheless) gets the last word(s) with a stranger who visits the town when Vincent is dead. It felt out of place and completely unnecessary.
A good 8 out of 10.
I must admit, though, that the long scenes of dancing and partying did wear me down a little at some point. It still felt authentic, but as the Dutch would say, it was: "A little too much of a good thing." The ending was the only real disappointment, when Marguerite (a terrific role by Alexandra London, nonetheless) gets the last word(s) with a stranger who visits the town when Vincent is dead. It felt out of place and completely unnecessary.
A good 8 out of 10.