Vincent & Theo 1990

      It's the late nineteenth century.  Adult Dutch brothers Vincent Van Gogh and Theo Van Gogh are living in Paris.  They lead differing lives despite having art as a connection. Vincent, who sticks to his principles which includes believing in God but not religion, wants to be a full time painter, lives in squalor for his art. Theo works in an art gallery, lives for the moment, he is selling his art but he doesn't to do this but he likes to lead a comfortable life.  One other area of commonality between the brothers is easily succumbing to pleasures of the flesh.  Theo does not sell Vincent's art since he knows it is not in demand.  Vincent's view of his brother does not change when he learns it is Theo and not their father who is supporting him.  Each brother is a tortured soul.  In Vincent's case, it is considered in some circles as madness and their different personalities affect how each man deals with his life.

     There are some key moments and extended periods in their lives over the years prior to their deaths.  Theo had a battle with syphilis and this affects how and if he can carry on relationships.  Theo's superiors allow him to run  his own gallery and it is largely on commission.  This pushes him into selling the art he doesn't like to survive.  Vincent spends time with fellow painter Paul Gaugin in Provence.  Gaugin is one of his few contemporaries that he truly admires.  Theo begins to help Vincent after his self-mutilation of his left ear.  He is under the care of Dr. Paul Gachet and he is also dealing with a turbulent marriage to the former Jo Bonger.  2 1/2* (This movie is just so-so)

138 min, Biography directed by Robert Altman and written by Julian Mitchell with Tim Roth, Paul Khys, Adrian Brine, Jean-Francois Perrier, Yves Dangerfield, Hans Kesting, Peter Tuinman, Marie-Louise Stheins, Oda Spelbos, Jip Wijngaarden, Anne Canovas, Sarah Bentham, Gust Gerritsen, Han Kerckhoffs.

Note:  Imdb 6.9* out of 10* with 3717 reviews, Rotten Tomatoes 89% with 27 critic review 72% with 1000+ audience scores, Roger Ebert 3 1/2*, Metacritic 65 out of 100 with 14 critic reviews 6.2 out of 10 with 11 user scores, Common Sense Media Lucinda Dyer 5*, age 12+, educational value 5*, positive messages 4*, positive role models 4*, violence 2*, sex 1*, no language. 

Special Note:  Money was saved on reproductions of Van Gogh's masterpieces by hiring art students to do them.  Originally designed to be a four-hour mini-series for the BBC.  Robert Altman and writer Julian Mitchell were able to pare it down to two and a half hours by focusing on Van Gogh's last years.