Gauguin: A Dangerous Life (2019 TV Movie) User Reviews

A complete perspective of his life and art

[richard_ferdman · 7/10 · 15 November 2023]

I feel the standard "plot" is misconceived - the documentary is about his life and legacy- his life in Peru, France, with his family in France, with Vincent Van Gogh, the manifestations of his interests and desires are explored and balanced.

The time of colonialism was (and still is) prevalent in many aspects of our lives and beliefs and cultures. Gaugin's story and artwork is a part of the changing world in the latter part of the 19th century.

The discussion of his art, its techniques as well as family, life, and women are all part of a portrait painted quite well in this documentary.

Any fan of art or history will enjoy this.

interesting doc on gauguin

[ksf-2 · 8/10 · 6 September 2023]

Minor spoilers...gauguin's family had moved around while he was a child, and this left him feeling as an outsider. Returning to paris, he came to know the huge artists of the day, and worked in all types of media. Living in breton, and even working on the panama canal, he came to have many experiences. Gauguin later came to have a great affinity for the islands of polynesia. Where he could live that free, wild, island life. He even called himself a savage, and frequently got into battles with the authorities.. sometimes the church, sometimes the police. His themes seem to highlight a society which is already civilized and colonized, and his subjects are surrounded by the old primitive symbols and objects. A discussion of the young age of his island bride, and the context of the times. Written and directed by patricia wheatley, for the bbc network. Even narrated by gauguin's own descendants. He died young at 54, in polynesia, possibly from syphilis, or an overdose. Interesting documentary!