Lust for Life (1956)
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100% of critics liked it
(10 reviews) -
78% of users liked it
(2,999 ratings)
This filmed biography of Vincent Van Gogh was adapted by Norman Corwin from the best-selling novel by Irving Stone, which was in turn inspired by the written correspondence between Van Gogh and his brother Theo. Kirk Douglas plays the tormented genius, whose obsessive devotion to his art engulfs,… More This filmed biography of Vincent Van Gogh was adapted by Norman Corwin from the best-selling novel by Irving Stone, which was in turn inspired by the written correspondence between Van Gogh and his brother Theo. Kirk Douglas plays the tormented genius, whose obsessive devotion to his art engulfs, consumes, and finally destroys him. James Donald costars as Theo Van Gogh, who provides financial and moral support to his brother from the time Vincent leaves his Holland home in 1878 to his death in Auvers in 1890. Anthony Quinn won an Oscar for his eight-minute turn as Van Gogh's fast friend and erstwhile rival Paul Gaugin. Nearly 200 of Van Gogh's original paintings were borrowed from private collections for brief display in the film: some are "recreated" before our eyes, as the artist stands before his easel, spattered with paint and with a look of white-hot intensity burned into his countenance. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Vincente Minnelli, Anthony Quinn
- Written By
- Norman Corwin
- Genres
- Drama, Classics
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1956 Wide
- Studio
- MGM
Critic Reviews
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Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
One of Minnelli's best pictures, a visually stunning portrait of Van Gogh, splendidly played by Kirk Douglas
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Michael E. Grost, Classic Film and Television
Horrifying - but informative - tragic biography of Van Gogh, with a look at his painting technique and location filming of the places he lived.
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A competently made and acted biopic on the Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh (Kirk Douglas), that's nevertheless uninspiring.
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Emanuel Levy, Screendaily
Minnelli's most visually evocative and most personal film--the only project he initiated during his tenure at MGM--centers on Van Gogh as a tormented, uncompromising artist, magnificently played by Kirk Douglas.
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John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...a fairly true account of the artist's life, and as such continues to entertain and enlighten, even if it doesn't entirely uplift.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Kirk Douglas
as Vincent Van Gogh
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Anthony Quinn
as Paul Gauguin
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James Donald
as Theo Van Gogh
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Pamela Brown
as Christine
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Everett Sloane
as Dr. Gachet
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Niall MacGinnis
as Roulin
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Noel Purcell
as Anton Mauve
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Henry Daniell
as Theodorus Van Gogh
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Madge Kennedy
as Anna Cornelia Van Gogh
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Jill Bennett II
as Willemien
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Lionel Jeffries
as Dr. Peyron
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Laurence Naismith
as Dr. Bosman
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Eric Pohlmann
as Colbert
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Jeannette Sterke
as Kay
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Toni Gerry
as Johanna
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Wilton Graff
as Rev. Stricker
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David Horne
as Rev. Peeters
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Noel Howlett
as Commissioner Van Den Berghe
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Ronald Adam
as Commissioner De Smet
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John Ruddock
as Ducrucq
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Julie Robinson
as Rachel
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David Leonard
as Camille Pissarro
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William Phipps
as Emile Bernard
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David Bond
as Seurat
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Jay Adler
as Waiter
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Laurence Badie
as Adeline Ravoux
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Jerry Bergen
as Henri de Toulouse Lautrec
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Isobel Elsom
as Mrs. Stricker
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Anthony Eustrel
as Tersteeg
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Rex Evans
as Durand-Ruel
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Mickey Maga
as Jan
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Alec Mango
as Dr. Rey
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Belle Mitchell
as Mme. Tanguy
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Marion Ross
as Sister Clothilde
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Anthony Sydes
as Cor
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Fred Johnson
as Cordan
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Ernestine Barrier
as Jet
