At Eternity's Gate

It’s not very often I buy a movie from iTunes and it’s so bad I want my money back. Being a fan of Vincent, I was looking forward to this movie and was predisposed to like it because of the subject. Defoe is substantially older than Vincent at the time of his death and he doesn’t pull off being European either. I couldn’t get past that. Just because you CAN make a movie, doesn’t mean you should.

Superb in many ways.

I am in awe of how beautiful and amazing this film is. Along with seeing alot more of Schnabel’s paintings and other work is really getting me excited about painting again.

I’m intelligent enough to know that the movie wasn’t very good. I had such high hopes knowing Defoe was playing Van Gogh, but even he couldn’t save this movie. And the herky-jerky camera was annoying.

Every time I was in Amsterdam, I never missed a chance to see the art of Vincent Van Gogh. Each of the four times or more meant at least staying at least three to five hours. The creativity, the colors, the view the artist expressed with a brush fascinated, and it still does. This film helps viewers catch a glimpse of the mind of the artist in order to understand his vision—possibly his torment. Personally, I believe the brilliant use of cinematography not only allowed me to imagine van Gogh’s time and surroundings, but it also offered me to understand vicariously a sense of awe while viewing nature. This movie is a “must see,” especially if you have interest in Vincent van Gogh’s life and art. The cast was incredible. Willem Defoe’s depiction was magnificent.

Movie was slow, dark and at times disjointed. Defoe is a good actor but the movie was just not that good. Was hoping it would be like the Picasso move but not close.

SUCKED! AND DEPRESSING

This film was simply just good Juggalos

This is a beautiful movie that takes you inside Van Gogh's head and allows you to see his world both through his eyes and through the eyes of those who knew him. Dafoe's performance will help you understand why Van Gogh painted the way he did, and why he chose to paint what he painted. The fact that much of the movie was filmed on location in Arles adds to the authentic feel of the movie. After some of the credits roll at the end, stay attentive for a nice post-script provided by Paul Gauguin. See this movie if you want to understand and appreciate Van Gogh's art, and all art, in a new way.

The film will appeal to fans of the cast and art lovers but will likely challenge others. The point of the film is to give the audience a first-hand experience of the life of a starving artist. Van Gogh’s life was tragic. He was misunderstood and ahead of his time - very sad given today he is considered a master and the father of modern art. He struggled with loneliness and mental illness, and unfortunately the film spends too much time with this story line. However the acting and directing are brilliant, and Dafoe is Óscar nominated for this role. For a more entertaining Van Gogh film, check out Loving Vincent.