This documentary is ablaze with the vibrant colours of the profision of canvases van Gogh painted in the last two years of his life. In 1888, the artist left Paris, where he had spent the previous two years sharing an apartment with his younger brother Theo, an art dealer.
Vincent had not had any success selling his work and the sibling relationship had become strained on account of his awkward personality. However, when he arrived in Arles and, a few months later, moved into the ‘yellow house’, he resumed his prolific correspondence with Theo.
They continued to write to each other up until Vincent committed suicide in 1890. The painter’s letters contain a detailed record of his daily life, his impressions of his surroundings, and his reflections on his art.
Illustrating extracts from these letters with his paintings and with stunning location footage, this documentary traces the events of van Gogh‘s final years and reveals his turbulent spirit.
In a vivid combination of his words and images, it brings to life his time in Arles, alone and with Gauguin; the period he spent in the asylum of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole at Saint-Rkmy de Provence; and the last weeks he spent in Auvers-sur-Oise, seeking help from Dr Paul Gachet.