Watch Gauguin: The Full Story

Gauguin: The Full Story is a 2003 documentary film exploring the life and work of the iconic French painter, Paul Gauguin. The film, narrated by Waldemar Januszczak, presents a comprehensive look at Gauguin’s tumultuous life and the masterpieces that characterized his career. The documentary delves into Gauguin's early life, exploring his upbringing in Peru and his time spent in the French Navy. It traces the turning points of his career, including his decision to quit his job as a stockbroker in order to become a full-time artist. Gauguin's life is shown to have been filled with many struggles, including his volatile relationship with women, alcoholism, and financial difficulties. However, through it all, he maintained his fierce artistic vision and continued to create some of the most famous paintings of the 19th century.

The film's exploration of Gauguin's life is punctuated by stunning shots of his artwork, accompanied by commentary from experts and contemporaries, as well as dramatic reenactments of important moments in his life. The documentary provides a detailed look at not only Gauguin's most famous works, such as "The Yellow Christ" and "Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?" but also lesser-known pieces that showcase the artist's experimentation with different techniques and subjects.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is its focus on Gauguin's relationship with his Polynesian muse, Teha'amana. The pair's tumultuous relationship is explored in-depth, revealing the complicated power dynamics that existed between the two. The film also addresses the way in which Gauguin's depiction of Polynesian life was problematic, and explores the impact that his work had on colonial attitudes towards indigenous peoples. This nuanced portrayal of Gauguin's relationship with Teha'amana offers a more complete understanding of the artist's life and work.

The documentary is an immersive experience, with stunning shots of the landscapes that inspired Gauguin's paintings and sweeping musical accompaniment that enhances the emotional impact of the film. The expert commentary and interviews with scholars and curators provide context for Gauguin's art and bring the viewer closer to the mind of the artist himself.

Overall, Gauguin: The Full Story is a thorough and insightful look at Paul Gauguin's life and art. It offers a more complete understanding of the artist's legacy and contextualizes the difficult aspects of his life and work. Whether you are a long-time fan of Gauguin's art or are simply interested in learning more about the life of one of the most important painters of the 19th century, this documentary is a must-watch.