Vincent: The Full Story

Vincent: The Full Story is a comprehensive documentary series that gives an extensive look at the turbulent life and brilliant career of the world-renowned Dutch Post-Impressionist painter, Vincent van Gogh. Produced and broadcasted by Channel 4 in 2004, this series delves into the enigmatic and often misunderstood world of one of the most influential figures in the history of Western art.

The series, which is presented with depth and clarity, is hosted by art critic and curator Waldemar Januszczak. With an engaging and erudite narrative style, Januszczak takes viewers on an enlightening journey through the complex landscape of Van Gogh’s life, mining its depths for a better understanding not only of the artist himself, but of his vast body of work.

Unlike previous biographies or documentaries about Vincent van Gogh, this Channel 4 production aims to present the 'full story', which is reflected in its title. The detailed narration encapsulates a comprehensive study of Van Gogh's repertoire, examining his inspirations, ambitions, troubles, and the broader societal influence he amassed both during his lifetime and posthumously.

The series begins with Januszczak taking viewers to the Netherlands, where Van Gogh was born and raised in a religious family. A substantial chunk of the first part is spent exploring the painter's failed career as an art dealer and his stint as a missionary in the poverty-stricken coal-mining region of Borinage in Belgium. The series makes compelling connections between these early experiences and how they later influenced Van Gogh's aesthetic and thematic decisions in his artwork.

The documentary also covers the artist's time in Paris. Here, Januszczak describes the transformational period in Van Gogh's artistic development where he broke free from the somber tones of his earlier Dutch works to embrace the vibrant palette and rapid brushwork that would become his hallmark style. The impact of Paris' avant-garde art scene, his interactions with other artists like Gauguin, and the onset of his mental health issues are also intricately detailed.

However, the most poignant part of the series might be its exploration of Van Gogh's period in Arles, Saint Rémy, and Auvers-sur-Oise. It's here that we witness Vincent in his struggle against deteriorating mental health while still managing to produce some of the most iconic works of Western art. The show does a commendable job of detangling the complexities of Van Gogh’s mental state without reducing it to mere madness. Its comprehensive approach addresses the often overlooked details of his life, such as his indefatigable spirit and his unwavering dedication to his craft.

Van Gogh's personal correspondence with Theo, his younger brother and lifelong supporter, forms an integral part of the documentary. These letters offer a glimpse into Vincent's innermost feelings, his acute loneliness, artistic frustrations, as well as his nuanced understanding of his own reality. They also reveal the warmth of the brotherly bond that sustained him in his darkest moments.

Technique and broader stylistic tendencies are not left out of the series' detailed approach. Vincent: The Full Story deciphers the evolution of Van Gogh’s technical skills as a genius of colour and line. Dissecting his most iconic works, the series shows how the artist pioneered a revolutionary visual language that discarded conventional pursuit of pictorial realism to express a more profound, emotional truth.

In this series, Januszczak goes beyond recounting Van Gogh's biography. He navigates through painting techniques, personal correspondence, anecdotal insights, and visits to various locations where the artist lived and worked. Everything blends into an authentic exploration of the person behind the artist and the artist behind the masterpieces, making Vincent: The Full Story a stunningly detailed documentary.

Indeed, the series serves not only as a biographical document but also as an art historical commentary, a roadmap to the soul of one of the most gifted and troubled artists in history. Whether you're a seasoned art historian or someone with a casual interest in Van Gogh's life, Vincent: The Full Story provides an insightful, memorable, and ultimately humanising depiction of this extraordinary artist's journey.