Always on Sunday (1965)

Always on Sunday Poster

Always On Sunday is a bio-pic on Le (Henri) Douanier Rousseau, a French naive painter.

Introduction of "Always on Sunday"
"Always on Sunday" is a 1965 British tv movie directed by Ken Russell and presented by the arts documentary series "Display" on BBC. The movie is a dramatized examination of the life of the French post-impressionist painter Henri Rousseau, likewise known as Le Douanier Rousseau, due to his occupation as a toll collector. The title "Always on Sunday" shows the notion that Rousseau, a self-taught artist, might only paint on Sundays, his day off from his task.

Henri Rousseau's Background
The film supplies a retrospective peek into the life of Rousseau, portraying his modest starts and his perseverance in pursuing his enthusiasm for painting despite restricted training and recognition by the art facility of his time. Rousseau operated in the toll cubicle on the edge of Paris, which affected the naïve beauty of his jungle and city landscapes that later on became renowned.

Creative Style and Themes
Rousseau's artistic design, characterized by its dreamlike simpleness and brilliant imagination, is showcased throughout the film. Regardless of his lack of formal art education, Rousseau's paintings portrayed lush jungles, exotic animals, and mystical figures, drawing on the impact of illustrated books and the botanical gardens in Paris instead of direct experience of the topics he painted. The film stresses Rousseau's distinct interpretation of reality, which set him apart from the academic artistic trends of the time.

Struggles and Triumphs
"Always on Sunday" does not shy away from depicting the struggles Rousseau dealt with as he tried to go far for himself in the art world. The film checks out the ridicule and rejection he experienced from critics who did not understand or value his unconventional style. However, Rousseau continued and ultimately acquired the support of avant-garde artists like Pablo Picasso, who recognized the authentic and pioneering nature of his work. By the end of his life, Rousseau began to gain the acknowledgment he long was worthy of, although it was not till after his death that his art work was totally valued.

Ken Russell's Direction and Style
The director Ken Russell, known for his flamboyant and controversial filmmaking style, approaches Rousseau's story with a degree of whimsy and an imaginative interpretation that mirrors the painter's own method to his art. Russell's instructions brings the dream and reality of Rousseau's world to life, integrating dramatized sequences with graphes of Rousseau's paintings. These components are woven together to create a cinematic tribute to both the artist's life and his body of work.

Tradition and Cultural Impact
"Always on Sunday" stands as a testament to the withstanding fascination with Henri Rousseau and the method which his art obstacles standard ideas of what is creatively valid or important. The film uses insight into the barriers Rousseau broke through by just following his enthusiasm and vision. It has been praised for its innovative method to storytelling and has actually added to the general public's appreciation of Rousseau's groundbreaking contribution to modern-day art.

The movie not just serves as an interesting biopic however likewise as a piece of art in itself, worthwhile of reflection and discussion. It motivates audiences to ponder the power of persistence, the appeal of self-taught artistry, and the importance of acknowledging skill in all its types, no matter adherence to conventional requirements or norms. "Always on Sunday" has played a crucial function in preserving and celebrating the non-traditional and pioneering spirit of Henri Rousseau for future generations.

Top Cast

  • Annette Robertson
    Alfred Jarry
  • Bryan Pringle (small)
    Bryan Pringle
    Pere Ubu
  • Jacqueline Cook
    Mere Ubu
  • Roland MacLeod (small)
    Roland MacLeod
    Apollinaire
  • Oliver Reed (small)
    Oliver Reed
    Narrator (voice)
  • James Lloyd
    Henri Rousseau