And You Thought You Had It Bad!
Jeffery Mingo | Homewood, IL USA | 10/17/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This documentary covers all the main points that are necessary: his cut ear, "Starry Nights," the suicide attempt, etc.
I knew of some of these tragedies, but this documentary shows how they were just the tip of the iceberg. Van Gogh only sold one painting while alive. He was kicked out of numerous schools and fired from jobs. He was constantly rejected by women, though he rejected one woman himself. The younger brother who financially and emotionally supported him died just six months after him. Van Gogh would make a very interesting study for those fascinated by mental illness and anti-social behavior.
The narrator pronounces the last syllable of his name as if it rhymed with "cough," rather than "mow." Van Gogh was well-traveled and I suspect he may have spoken English and French in addition to Dutch. One interviewee here has a squeaky, mousy voice that may grate on your ears. This would be a perfect piece to show to high school art classes."