Edvard Munch (Masters of Cinema)

Star Review

Although recognised nowadays as one of the most significant artists of his era, Watkins’ groundbreaking work never got the attention it deserved from his contemporaries. Yes, Peter Watkins is possibly the most obscure of the truly great filmmakers, a situation happily being rectified by DVDs like this.

Edvard Munch was another maverick, a painter who overturned the artistic conventions of his era, abandoning naturalism for an utterly subjective, expressive vision. Watkins charts Munch’s development as an artist and the influences that shaped him, the early bereavements and doomed loved affairs. It is a long, majestic film conducted in Watkins habitual documentary/essayistic style.

Above all, Edvard Munch is a film about art. Watkins takes time to explore the creative process and Munch’s singular vision. It’s a world away from the traditional ‘Great Artist’ biopic, where the work is relegated to second place. Watkins was obviously driven by a great passion for this art, a passion that he communicates brilliantly.

This is a unique film; a film about masterpieces that is a masterpiece in its own right.

James Oliver on 8th October 2007

View all 33 of James Oliver’s reviews

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Film Description

Famously described by Ingmar Bergman as 'a work of genius', Peter Watkins' multi-faceted masterwork is more than just a biopic of the iconic Norwegian Expressionist painter, it is one of the best films ever made about the artistic process. Focusing initially on Munch's formative years in late 19th Century Kristiana (now Oslo), Watkins uses his trademark style to create a vivid picture of the emotional, political and social upheavals that would have such an effect on his art.

The young artist (Geir Westby) has an affair with 'Mrs Heiberg' (Gro Fraas), a devastating experience that will haunt him for the rest of his life. His work is viciously attacked by critics and public alike and he is forced to leave his home country for Berlin, where, along with the notorious Swedish playwright August Strindberg, he becomes part of the cultural storm that is to sweep Europe.

There have been countless film biographies of famous artists, but only a handful can be considered major works in their own right. This original 211-minute TV version of Watkins' film what is regarded as an extraordinary feat of filmmaking.

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This is one of the finest television productions ever made.
Watkins, the founding father of documentary drama, stitches together an incredible pastiche of intervi... more >

This is one of the finest television productions ever made.
Watkins, the founding father of documentary drama, stitches together an incredible pastiche of interviews, voiceover and drama to present a portrait of the tormented artist Edvard Munch. The performances are universally superb, but the real winner is the editing, which successfully juxtaposes a mass of scenes and music, scorning a more traditional chronological narrative. < less

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DVD Extras

• New director-approved high-definition restoration of the longer TV version Newly translated optional English subtitles
• Optional SDH subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• 80-page book with a Peter Watkins self-interview, writing by Joseph Gomez, and a timeline of Munch's life.

Film Details

Cast

Geir Westby, Gro Fraas

Technical Details