Search - Vincent Van Gogh - A Dutchman on DVD

Not recommended

Chicago | Chicago | 06/18/2006

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I got this DVD in anticipation of an upcoming trip to the Netherlands, and was sorely disappointed. The title - 'A Dutchman' - was misleading, as it mentioned only in passing Van Gogh's nationality, instead focusing on his life in France. Most of the documentary consisted of a very bored-looking Christopher Reeve narrating, reading from a teleprompter or cue cards placed about knee-height. You can even see him stifling a burp at one point, and a jump cut in narration was, unfortunately, the highlight of the production (along with the menu screen). Halfway into the documentary, we'd only seen about half a dozen paintings; the rest was Chris.

Even though it's clear that this documentary is aimed at middle-school students, it is unique in that it makes a great artist out to be very dull and uninspiring. I've taken art classes in college and slide presentations at eight a.m. were more gripping.

Additional caveat: It's obvious this was sloppily transferred from the VHS original. Not only is the documentary poorly done, it looks terrible too."

I liked it.

C. Dodd | Washington State | 01/20/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It's pauperishly produced, but, as art documentaries go, I've seen worse. A good quick introduction to Van Gogh, surprisingly comprehensive for a mere 25 minutes of film.

I was struck by the sad irony of seeing the youthful Reeves speak of the doom awaiting Vincent."