Watch Edvard Munch

Edvard Munch is a biographical drama film that explores the life and work of the famous Norwegian artist, Edvard Munch. The movie traces his life from his childhood through to his later years, delving into his troubled relationships, artistic struggles, and personal demons. The film opens with a young Edvard at his family's countryside retreat. Here, he discovers his love for art and drawing, using the natural scenery around him as inspiration. His father, a stern religious man, disapproves of his artistic inclination, and this leads to a lifelong struggle between father and son.

As Edvard grows up, he moves to Oslo, where he begins to establish himself as a successful artist. He befriends several other artists and begins to gain recognition for his work, but his personal life is tumultuous. He has several relationships with women, including his cousin and a married woman who becomes pregnant with his child.

Throughout the movie, we see the character of Edvard evolve before our eyes. He faces a constant battle to reconcile his artistic ambitions with his family's expectations and societal norms. At one point, he even destroys several of his own paintings due to a personal crisis of faith.

One of the most poignant aspects of the film is the depiction of Edvard's mental health. He suffers from frequent bouts of depression, and as he ages, he becomes increasingly isolated and paranoid. The movie does an excellent job of showing how his mental illness was likely a driving force behind many of his creative works.

Ultimately, the film stands out as a stunning portrait of a troubled artist who refused to compromise his vision. At times, the movie can be slow-moving and introspective, but it rewards viewers who stick with it. The acting is superb, with Geir Westby delivering a standout performance as Edvard. He captures the essence of the artist's pain and torment with remarkable authenticity.

The film is visually stunning, too. The cinematography captures the beauty of Norway's landscapes, as well as the darker, more haunting aspects of Edvard's psyche. The use of color, light, and shadow is masterful, and the film often feels like a moving work of art in itself.

One thing that struck me while watching the movie was how the story of Edvard Munch feels universal. Even if you've never heard of the artist, his struggles with mental health, societal norms, and artistic integrity are relatable. It's a film that invites you to consider what it means to be an artist, and what happens when an artist's vision clashes with the world around them.

In terms of criticisms, the film can feel slow-moving at times. It's not a movie that relies on plot twists or action sequences; rather, it's more of a character study. As such, some viewers may find it slow or uneventful.

Overall, Edvard Munch is a deeply moving biopic that does justice to the life and works of one of Norway's most famous artists. It's a film that rewards close attention and invites viewers to consider the complexity and beauty of life, art, and mental illness.