Van Gogh Details

Vincente Minnelli, Paul Cox and Robert Altman have all made films about the tortured life of Vincent van Gogh, but Maurice Pialat's superbly photographed account of his last few months is by far the most compelling. Creating the atmosphere of Auvers-sur-Oise with great care, he builds up his portrait through a wealth of tiny details rather than the broader brush strokes of Minnelli or Altman. Gaunt, withdrawn and acting on impulses that are terrifying in their suddenness and ferocity, Jacques Dutronc is magnificent in the title role, whether ranting against his brother Theo, seeking consolation in women or drink, or simply painting in the fields.

Fictionalized biopic that adds little to an understanding of the artist, even if it sets him in an everyday context as one man among many.