Top 7 depictions of iconic Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh on screen

Doctor Who (2010)

In a heart-wrenching episode of Doctor Who titled “Vincent and the Doctor”, Scottish actor Tony Curran delivers a poignant performance as Vincent van Gogh. The doctor (Matt Smith) travels back in time to investigate a strange creature only van Gogh can see. In a powerful scene, the doctor whisks van Gogh to a Parisian gallery in 2010, where a crowd admires his iconic works like “The Starry Night” and “The Yellow House.” A museum curator, played by Bill Nighy, praises him as one of the greatest artists ever. Overwhelmed with emotion, van Gogh’s silent tears speak volumes, conveying a lifetime of yearning for recognition.

In “Vincent and the Doctor,” the Doctor befriends a troubled Van Gogh, showing him the future impact of his art

This fictional portrayal transcends the boundaries of time travel, offering a glimpse of the solace van Gogh might have found in witnessing his artistic legacy. Curran’s powerful performance, relying heavily on emotional expression, makes this one of the most memorable van Gogh moments on screen.

Vincent & Theo (1990)

Robert Altman’s 1990 period drama Vincent & Theo offers a condensed version of his miniseries chronicling the lives of Vincent van Gogh and his brother Theo. Inspired by Vincent’s letters, the film explores their complex relationship.

Tim Roth’s portrayal of Vincent showcases a fascinating duality. Initially, we see the artist brimming with a heroic charm, fueled by the passion of creation. However, as the film progresses, a sense of isolation creeps in, mirrored by Roth’s withering portrayal.

Despite mixed reviews, Roth’s performance garnered praise, further solidifying Altman’s reputation as a distinguished filmmaker.

Dreams (1990)

Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese takes a fascinating detour into acting in Akira Kurosawa’s anthology film Dreams. This dreamlike project explores eight dreams Kurosawa himself experienced, each visualised as a distinct vignette.

In the segment titled “Crows”, an aspiring artist finds himself inexplicably transported into the world of a van Gogh painting. Here, he encounters a captivating portrayal of van Gogh by none other than Scorsese himself. Adorned with the artist’s iconic straw hat, orange beard, and even a single ear, Scorsese’s van Gogh embodies the painter’s essence.

Their encounter is a poignant exploration of the artistic process. Scorsese’s van Gogh passionately describes his intense connection to nature, the way he devours the world around him to translate it onto canvas, and the profound impact of losing his ear had on his self-portraits. This surreal meeting becomes a unique window into the artist’s mind that fueled his creative genius.

Loving Vincent (2017)

Loving Vincent stands out for its breathtaking animation style and unique narrative approach. Narrated by the brooding voice of Jochum ten Haaf, the film delves into the final days of Vincent van Gogh’s life. Rather than a traditional biopic, the story unfolds from the perspectives of those who knew him best, piecing together a portrait of the artist in his final moments.

While Robert Gulaczyk portrays van Gogh through rotoscope animation, the film primarily relies on flashbacks to depict the artist. This technique seamlessly integrates live-action footage into the hand-painted world, further blurring the lines between reality and artistic expression.

This visual masterpiece holds the distinction of being the world’s first fully hand-painted feature film. A staggering 65,000 individual oil paintings, meticulously created by over 125 artists, bring van Gogh’s world to life. While the film focuses primarily on the events leading to van Gogh’s death, it undeniably honours his artistic legacy by translating his brushstrokes and vibrant colours onto the moving image.

At Eternity’s Gate (2018)

Willem Dafoe delivers a powerful and nuanced portrayal of Vincent van Gogh in Julian Schnabel’s At Eternity’s Gate.  This latest addition to the cinematic canon of  van Gogh’s representation on screen, explores the final days in the south of France, a period marked by frenetic creativity and emotional turmoil.

The film departs from the traditional suicide narrative, exploring the possibility of an accidental shooting. Taking painting lessons from Schnabel himself, Dafoe masterfully portrays van Gogh’s inner struggles, his descent into depression, and flashes of petty behaviour, tormenting the artistic genius from within further deepening his understanding of van Gogh’s artistic process. This commitment, combined with Dafoe’s impressive performance, breathes new life into the story of this artistic icon.

Willem Dafoe leads “At Eternity’s Gate” as Van Gogh, joined by Rupert Friend, Mads Mikkelsen, and Oscar Isaac as his brother Theo.

Schnabel’s direction is both intimate and vibrant. Handheld camerawork creates a sense of immediacy, while the film’s visual style evokes the light and colour of van Gogh’s paintings. At Eternity’s Gate isn’t simply a biopic; it’s an immersive experience that allows viewers to connect with van Gogh’s essence.

So, which cinematic adaptation are you catching up on soon? Do let us know!