I’m not comfortable with depictions of violence; I carry a lot within me and find it frightening. Lust for Life tells the story of the celebrated painter Vincent Van Gogh, based on Irving Stone's novel and adapted by Norman Corwin. The film features Kirk Douglas, Anthony Quinn, and James Donald, under the direction of Vincente Minnelli, with cinematography from Freddie Young and Russel Harlan, and a score composed by Miklos Roza. It stands out as an example of how Hollywood once approached biographical films—doing it properly. Although not a major box office hit initially, its reputation has grown over time alongside positive reviews. It's difficult to find fault on a technical level; the use of color lenses in CinemaScope, Roza’s evocative musical score, and Minnelli’s direction combined with the performances – Douglas portraying Van Gogh and Quinn as Paul Gauguin (who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor) – all bring this sad narrative to life. The film evokes emotion while also offering a sense of hope, and art enthusiasts will appreciate the inclusion of Van Gogh's actual paintings, which Minnelli handled with great care. It’s truly exceptional filmmaking. 9/10
On September 26, 2026
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