Lust for Life
Seen it?1956 | 122 min | Drama, History
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It won an Oscar and it earned strong reviews (80% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved Pollock or You Don't Know Jack, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 2 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1956: an older pace and style.
An intense and imaginative artist, revered Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh possesses undeniable talent, but he is plagued by mental problems and frustrations with failure. Supported by his brother, Theo, the tormented Van Gogh eventually leaves Holland for France, where he meets volatile fellow painter Paul Gauguin and struggles to find greater inspiration.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
80% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.2 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 1 Oscar: Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor. Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama. Also nominated for 3 more Oscars and 3 more Golden Globes. Plus 1 other award.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$3 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 52K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Vincente Minnelli
- Kirk DouglasVincent van Gogh
- Anthony QuinnPaul Gauguin
- James DonaldTheo van Gogh
- Pamela BrownChristine
- Everett SloaneDr. Gachet
- Niall MacGinnisRoulin
- Noel PurcellAnton Mauve
- Henry DaniellTheodorus van Gogh
- Madge KennedyAnna Cornelia van Gogh
- Jill BennettWillemien