Gauguin the Savage (1980)

Gauguin the Savage Poster

Based on the turbulent life of the temperamental French painter, Paul Gauguin, and his compulsive search for creative freedom which caused him to abandon his wife and five children in Paris for a life of contentment in Tahiti.

Overview
"Gauguin the Savage" is an American 1980 biographical film produced for tv by CBS. James Goldstone directed the film, concentrating on the turbulent life and creative journey of popular French artist Paul Gauguin. David Carradine stars as Gauguin, delivering an appealing and nuanced efficiency that brings the impassioned artist's story to life. Throughout the movie, Gauguin's battles to stabilize domesticity and financial stability with his ingrained desire to develop is portrayed, highlighting his sacrifices in the pursuit of visionary and revolutionary art.

Plot Synopsis
The film starts in Paris, where Gauguin is a struggling artist, holding mundane tasks to support his household while trying to make a name in the art world. Here, he is seen battling conformity and the societal expectations that restrict his poetic license. The film aptly highlights his very first experience with Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, providing short looks from Edgar Degas and Vincent Van Gogh, played respectively by Barrie Ingham and John Carradine.

The story emphasizes Gauguin's thirst for sights and societies untainted by European civilization, which later on guided his major art developmental phases. His decision to abandon his wife and five kids in order to embrace his artistic passion fully is depicted extremely, setting a tone for the taking place narrative.

Gauguin's Journey and Artistic Evolution
Adopting a mostly sequential approach, the film showcases Gauguin's artistic maturation and experiences throughout his travels. A significant section of the story covers Gauguin's time in Tahiti and Marquesas Islands, locations he picked to escape European civilization's impact. The South Pacific's undistorted charm and the locals' innocence served as a profound inspiration for Gauguin, leading to the development of some of his most widely known works. "Gauguin the Savage" represents his struggle to adjust to the new environment while battling illness, depression, and destitution.

Efficiency and Depiction of Gauguin
David Carradine's representation of Gauguin is powerful and appealing as he manages to catch the artist's rebellion, defiance, and single-minded obsession with his art. He marks the inner turmoil Gauguin dealt with when his social tasks battled with his burning desire to break complimentary and express his vision. Gauguin's complicated character-- his weaknesses, ambivalence, strength, and ruthless pursuit of art-- is forecasted clearly by Carradine.

Artistic Aspects and Authenticity
The movie wonderfully sprinkles a few of Gauguin's original work throughout the story, allowing viewers to witness the actual art pieces in conjunction with the artist's story. Moreover, the cinematography's acceptable visual appeal and the authentic places use a real representation of the lively places that affected Gauguin's art.

Conclusion
"Gauguin the Savage" is a sincere attempt to mark the life and artistic journey of Paul Gauguin, among the most adventurous and informed painters of the late 19th century. The movie shows the dichotomies, disquiet, and determination of Gauguin, effectively conveying the level to which he went in quest of his artistic impulses and portraying the depths of his fervor. In spite of its biographical essence, the film is a poignant narrative of creative battle and the tormented mission for development and individual expression, making "Gauguin the Savage" a reward for both art connoisseurs and casual viewers alike.

Top Cast

  • David Carradine (small)
    David Carradine
    Paul Gauguin
  • Lynn Redgrave (small)
    Lynn Redgrave
    Mette Gad
  • Barrie Houghton (small)
    Barrie Houghton
    Vincent Van Gogh
  • Flora Robson (small)
    Flora Robson
    Sister Allandre
  • Michael Hordern (small)
    Michael Hordern
    Durand-Huel
  • Ian Richardson (small)
    Ian Richardson
    Degas
  • Emrys James (small)
    Emrys James
    Maurice Schuffenecker
  • Carmen Mathews (small)
    Carmen Mathews
    Madame Jeanette
  • Bernard Fox (small)
    Bernard Fox
    Captain Chablat
  • Alan Caillou
    Inspector Aumont
  • Christopher Cary (small)
    Christopher Cary
    Doctor Feydeau