Vincent & Theo (1990)

A blistering, unsentimental portrait of the great Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, Robert Altman's VINCENT AND THEO focuses on the deeply neurotic relationship between the unstable, impoverished Vincent (Tim Roth) and his art dealer brother, Theo (Paul Rhys). Specifically, it investigates the role Theo played in providing the normality and connection to the outer world that Vincent lacked--while Vincent, in turn, acted as the living embodiment of Theo's unfulfilled artistic aspirations. In the end, Theo's inability to secure his brother's financial independence and help him achieve a sense of self-worth by selling his paintings caused him a misery almost as profound as Vincent's. Altman's theatrical version of what was originally a four-hour European miniseries is a bold return to form for the director after a stint directing film adaptations of plays. As the introverted Vincent, Roth delivers an intensely passionate performance, and Rhys is just as moving as the more reserved Theo. Altman chooses to concentrate on the artist himself, likely providing a deeper insight into the individual than scenes of him painting ever could. VINCENT AND THEO remains an unflinching and powerful interpretation of the life of one of the world's most famous artists.