Vincent and Theo

[Jean Kelly]

Last night Tom and I watched the movie Vincent and Theo. I'm still reeling from the sheer beauty of the film and scenery itself.

At times I felt as though I was standing in one of Van Gogh's landscapes. If you haven't seen this film yet please try to. The people are also filmed somehow so they all look like they stepped out of a classic portrait. The director is Robert Altman, made in 1990. This one will definitely be added to my very small film collection.

Jean

[Mari DeRuntz]

Yes, GREAT film. It's a little uncharacteristic of Altman if you're a fan, but I think it's his greatest, and easily the best "painter" film I've seen. Tim Roth's "Vincent" is rapture.

[Patt Legg]

I have never seen the movie but had the pleasure of recently watching a beautiful full-length play written by Leonard Nimoy and a stunning performance by one man named Jim Jarrett. He does a one man performance portraying both Theo and Vincent and the story takes place actually after Vincent's death. Taken from the Book of Letters To Theo.

Quite exciting to see the transformation within this fanastic young man. See him at www.jarrettproductions.com

He is a traveling one man actor and is a great and very nice young man.

[Steven Sweeney]

I agree, Patt, that "Vincent" is a treat. I'd love to see Mr. Jarrett's performance. I saw Leonard Nimoy's when he opened the play at the Guthrie in Minneapolis in 1981, and as a Trekkie it was almost impossible for me not to stop "seeing" Mr. Spock down there on the stage. (Still recognizable without the pointed ears.)

When you reminded me of the play, it occurred to me that, though I tell people I've been painting only a few years, I guess I must have at least metaphorically gone to that play 21 years ago with a brush in my hand. It was the same year I finished law school. My head and my heart were at war with each other for much of the next two decades.

On last year's birthday, my daughter gave me a 1946 edition (I collect books) of Irving Stone's "Lust for Life", a novelization of Van Gogh's life. A perceptive 19-year-old, she's already got me figured out. (Where was she in 1981 when I needed her? Already there in my spirit world, I guess.)

(Moderator's note: The paperback of "Lust for Life" is available on Amazon.)

As for the "Vincent and Theo" video, I see that Amazon.com has it, which is as good as saying that I've just ordered my Christmas present. I've seen it before, but not for many years. Time to recharge.

For any Forum members who can't get to workshops, don't overlook the highly motivational value of opportunities like these.

[Patt Legg]

Yes, Steven, you certainly do have a receptive daughter to give you that book. I too have Lust For Life but only in the paperback and would love to have it in my collection as a 1946 Edition. (My Christmas hint of which I will have to consider.)

I love reading Irving Stone and particularialy love reading about other artists lives bewildere for some odd reason. Validating my actions and reactions of being an artist myself I suppose with which I admit I can certainly relate. I won't go into some of those idosyncrasies at this time.

As for the workshops, of course I am looking into the one that Marvin is offering in North Carolina. Just have to fit it into my budget. Not that I am underestimating the value of such a visit. Why, I may have to cut off one ear to prove my desire and devotion to that cause.