Edvard Munch

Edvard Munch, directed by Peter Watkins in 1974, unfolds the introspective and restless life of the celebrated painter, Eddie Geir Westby, in the form of a poignant cinematic biography. This artful creation synchronizes themes of physical and psychological distress, presented in the backdrop of late 19th-century Christiana (now Oslo), Norway. The film also features Gro Fraas and Kerstii Allum in pivotal roles.

This 220-minute long film portrayal of the Norwegian artist's life is a cinematic journey that paints a vivid picture of struggle, torment, and creativity. It is a movie that shivers with the fever of existence, of a man intensely living and engaging with his time on his journey to becoming an acclaimed expressionist painter.

The narrative of Edvard Munch is driven by Westby's compelling performance as the titular artist, captured in his perpetual struggle to express his inner torment and suffering through colors and strokes. Alongside him, Gro Fraas brings an outstanding performance as Mrs. Heiberg, a married woman and the subject of Munch's infatuation. Kerstii Allum completes the main cast, delivering an unforgettable performance as Munch's sister, Inger.

The film is not a conventional biopic; it delves deep into both the artistic and personal torments of the master craftsman. Through his art, the audience witnesses Munch’s progression, his rendezvous with death, unfulfilled love, and his battle with mental and physical ailments. But what truly sets this film apart is Director Watkins' groundbreaking approach to storytelling. He seamlessly blurs the boundaries between documentary and drama, introducing interviews of characters directly addressing the camera, which gave audiences a kind of access to Munch's thoughts and feelings rarely seen in traditional cinema.

The stylistic choices in Edvard Munch are striking, with aspects like frequent flashbacks and an ethereal palette that lends the film a dreamlike quality. It employs naturalistic filming techniques, away from studio sets, using authentic locations that reflect Munch's painful and passionate existence. Watkins also makes use of swift editing, painting the screen with fleeting scenes that mirror the pitches and troughs of the artist's life, all reflecting the chaos and intensity of Munch's inner world.

Apart from the director's choice of realistically grim environments, credit must go to Odd Geir Sæther, whose choreographed camerawork constructs a meditative observation of Edvard Munch's existence, magnifying his oppressive observations of society and the women in his life. Captivating shots and sequences driving the artist's experiences make the visual narration almost mirror Munch's own artistic style.

Meanwhile, the soundtrack of Edvard Munch, curated by the creative minds behind the film, paints an aural landscape that further fuels the emotional tension and tragedy that Munch experiences. The raw and rich sound experience mirrors the tumultuous life of the protagonist and supplements a resonating connection with his aspiring and suffering artist persona.

The wider supporting cast contributes to the tapestry of Munch’s artistic awakening and the bitter experiences he encounters. The film manages to touch upon the influences of Munch's relationships, the complex artistic circles during the time, and how they profoundly affected his work, particularly his well-known piece, "The Scream."

In sum, Edvard Munch is not just a biopic about an artist; it is an insight into the mind and soul of a tortured genius. Watkins creates a beautiful piece that is more than just a film; it's a journey into the aesthetic, emotional, and psychological world of one of the most definitive artists in history.

Through brutal realism, broken narrative, and an empathetic exploration of Edvard Munch's mental state, Watkins guarantees that the audience is not merely watching the artist's life unfold but truly experiencing the agony, ecstasy, and creative combustion of an extraordinary man. It's a painted journey that may not only change the perception of Munch but incite new reflections on how we glimpse into the lives of creators and their creations. This film is a must-watch for art historians, students, and enthusiasts, eagerly adapting to accept non-traditional cinematic narrative that isn't just engaging, but also thought-provoking.