Review of At Eternity's Gate (2018) by Brent_Marchant — 24 Nov 2018

Despite some artistic self-indulgence from the director, the inclusion of some sequences that feel unnecessarily padded and occasionally inexplicable choppy editing, this otherwise beautifully filmed exploration of the creative process as seen through the eyes of someone overwhelmed by its infinite and divinely inspired possibilities is a moving and thoughtful work that transcends the exercises and techniques associated with the craft of painting (or any other art form for that matter).

Willem Dafoe gives a masterful, award-worthy performance as the tormented genius Vincent Van Gogh, bringing to life the brilliance and the madness of this immensely talented and immensely misunderstood soul.

This offering certainly isn't for everyone, but, for those who appreciate cinema that attempts to push boundaries and get below the surface of someone's worldly persona, director Julian Schnabel's latest does as fine a job as any in seeking to fulfill these goals.