Vincent and Theo is a film that details the lives and relationship of the Van Gogh brothers. Though Vincent name may be more easily recognizable, Theo is often behind the scenes, supporting his brother and giving him the means to discover and become the artist the world eventually comes to respect and admire. The movie begins at an auction where one of Vincent's painting is being bid on, ultimately selling for millions of pounds. The film then goes back in time, introducing a young Vincent who is just beginning his artistic career. He wants to live as an artist and so is choosing to live in poor conditions. Theo, his brother, lets Vincent know that it's him who has been sending him money to help him and support his artistic dreams and not their father. Vincent is untroubled by this proclamation and decides to continue pursuing his artistic dreams by whatever means necessary.
Throughout the film we witness the different lives of the brothers. Vincent battles mental illness while also pursuing his creative passions. He threatens others, destroys paintings, and (famously) cuts off his own ear. He demands his brother take his art and sell it and accuses him of not believing him, which frustrates Theo to no extent. From Theo's point of view, we see a man who loves his brother. No matter what the circumstances, he supports him, sending him money to make sure he can follow his passions while also trying to show off his art. Theo, a lover of art but never a painter, works as an art dealer, selling paintings he doesn't love and keeping paintings he does (Vincent's). Despite starting a family and receiving less than an ideal salary to support his family, Theo always make sure to support Theo, much to the chagrin of his wife. The couple frequently fight about Theo being overly supportive all the while Vincent accuses Theo of not being supportive enough.
It is a sad story of two men in a complex brotherly relationship. Directed by David Altman, the film truly transports us back in time. Truly the production design and choices of location and costume transport us back to earlier times that inspired the artist Vincent. The movie uses locations that bring Vincent's paintings to life, subjecting us to backgrounds that inspired the artist's original paintings.
Though slow paced and dull at times, the ever-changing relationship of two brothers is a relatable one. The production values and casting choices were also well thought out, making the movie much more enjoyable to watch. Overall, I would give this movie a 7/10
Review of Vincent & Theo
