Lust For Life [DVD+Blu-ray] [1956]

This film is a pleasure. The story of Vincent is well known, but to experience Kirk Douglas' performance, is a treat. He plays the role just right. The section of the story where Van Gogh cuts off his ear is dramatic, but no graphic content. Just a harrowing scream. The story has been dramatised, but it is a good story which only serves to add to the reputation of all concerned, not least Vincent Van Gogh. The colours are wonderful. Any viewer might consider following up this movie by watching the 2018 Willem Dafoe film 'At Eternity's gate', which delivers the story in a equally fascinating presentation.

The stunning colors of Van Gogh's later paintings are well reproduced in this biopic movie, that also shows most of his real works captured by cameramen sent to museums and private collections around the world. Kirk Douglas looks like Van Gogh himself, but loose the Oscar for best actor, one of the greatest injustices in the history of that ceremony.I watched this Blu-Ray in a big TV screen (64"), and I see the restoration couldn't fix slight blurred focus in some scenes (very few), but this is an issue from the source, the original camera negatives should have the same problems. For art lovers, highly recommended.

Director Vincent Minnelli's 1956 film of Van Gogh is probably how many people imagine him; together with Don MacLean's wonderfully evocative "Starry Starry Night" and the stories of Vincent cutting off his ear to give the prostitute portrayed well in the film, that is Vincent for many people. Indeed both Kirk Douglas and Anthony Quinn look remarkable like the characters they play.Although this is not the place or time to consider them, and despite the great similarities, they were not entirely like this. Vincent was highly-intelligent, multi-lingual and someone who considered his paintings carefully, albeit with a lustiness and enthusiasm.Unfortunately, the yellow house in which they lived was demolished many years ago and there is virtually nothing in Arles by which to remember him, except being surrounded by images which remind one of his paintings. It is fascinating to consider that Van Gogh features five time in the most expensive painting list and his "Portrait of Dr. Gachet" is the fourth most expensive painting ever sold - $82.5 million in 1990 ($144 million today).Buy "Lust for Life", enjoy it and meet some facets of Vincent.

Kirk Douglas gives a brilliant performance as Vincent Van Gogh, in this 1956 movie on the life of the brilliant but tortured artist. I watched this excellent movie on DVD almost 50 years later and have not been disappointed. “I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart” Vincent Van Gogh.

Knowing this film very very well, (one of my top ten all time favourites) I decided it needed to replace my old video cassette version.I had hoped for extras ie perhaps more about the making of the film,,,, alas no, so that was a little disappointing BUT nevertheless I am glad to have a new copy to treasure and re watch. The film now also made me wonder about the life of Kirk Douglas, another with a lust for life, methinks

Very disappointing quality (pirated?), but Douglas's powerful performance makes it just about worth watching.

Kirk Douglas took over a year off from film making after this film, when you watch it you'll know why. He left his soul on the screen to recreate the events from Van Goghs letters to Theo. Quinn is also fabulous and the tension builds to the inevitable conclusion of Vincent's demise. The film is tragic and inspiring in equal measure. The real canvasses were photographed for the film which was an added and colourful bonus. I rate this in my top 10 films of all time.

I have always enjoyed this film, despite the sadness of Vincent's later years, as it is so colourful and full of life.Kirk Douglas was born to play Van Gogh, and he is excellent. I am looking forward to sharing this film with my husband as he has not seen it.