At Eternity’s Gate (2018) is a biographical drama directed by Julian Schnabel, starring Willem Dafoe as the legendary painter Vincent van Gogh. The film explores the final years of Van Gogh’s life, focusing on his struggles with mental illness, his pᴀssion for painting, and his complex relationships with fellow artists and society.

Set in the late 19th century, the movie follows Van Gogh as he moves to Arles and later to Auvers-sur-Oise, where he creates some of his most famous works. His friendship with Paul Gauguin (Oscar Isaac) is a key element in the film, showing their contrasting artistic philosophies and the emotional toll it takes on Van Gogh. The film also depicts his interactions with his supportive brother, Theo (Rupert Friend), and his turbulent experiences with the people who misunderstood him.

Rather than presenting a conventional biopic, At Eternity’s Gate is an immersive and impressionistic portrait of Van Gogh’s psyche. The cinematography, with its handheld camera work and shifting perspectives, places the audience inside Van Gogh’s mind, blurring the lines between reality and hallucination. The film’s vibrant color palette and expressive visual style mirror Van Gogh’s own artistic approach.

Willem Dafoe’s performance is a highlight, capturing the painter’s vulnerability, anguish, and unrelenting drive to create art despite societal rejection. The film challenges the long-standing myth that Van Gogh’s art was purely a product of his mental illness, instead portraying him as a visionary who saw the world differently.

At Eternity’s Gate is a poetic and meditative film that invites viewers to experience Van Gogh’s world through his eyes. While slow-paced and introspective, it offers a deeply emotional exploration of the artist’s genius and torment, making it a moving tribute to his enduring legacy.