In his 1989 review of “Vincent: The Life and Death of Vincent Van Gogh,” the late Roger Ebert wrote, “‘Vincent’ is the most romantic and yet the most sensible documentary about a painter I have ever seen.”

Over twenty years have passed since then, and yet his words of praise still ring true about director Paul Cox’s documentary that recounts the life of Vincent Van Gogh. What distinguishes Cox’s film from other biographical accounts is the way in which it is told. “Vincent” uses letters that Van Gogh wrote during his lifetime to his beloved brother, giving it an almost autobiographical sentiment. By featuring Van Gogh as the narrator, Cox is able showcase his personality in a unique way that could not have been done as effectively otherwise. While Van Gogh’s negative personality traits are well documented, his letters allow us to peer into a different Van Gogh who demonstrates deep insight and even a sense of humor. During Wednesday’s showing at Ebertfest, I was shocked by how much laughter I heard from a film titled “The Life and Death of Vincent Van Gogh.”

However, despite flashes of humor, the majority of “Vincent” made sure to mirror the melancholy that consumed his life. Whether it was the loneliness he felt from his lacking love life or renouncing formalized religion, Van Gogh spent the majority of his life in anguish.

“But I have no will, hardly any desire or none at all and hardly any wish for anything belonging to ordinary life,” wrote Van Gogh to his brother during his final days.

While most of the audio from the film is accomplished by reading excerpts from Van Gogh’s letters, much of the visuals come from his paintings. By combining these audio and visual elements, “Vincent” is able to use the letters of Van Gogh that detail the creative decisions he made in specific paintings while showing the image of the corresponding painting, giving an unique perspective into the works of Van Gogh. This allows Cox to create a “behind the scenes with the artist” effect that becomes one of the highlights of “Vincent.”

“Vincent” is an excellent documentary that masterfully combines the paintings and letters of Van Gogh to tell the story of this tortured artist in a unique way. While he was very misunderstood during his own time, hundreds of years later Van Gogh is one of the most documented and celebrated artist of all time.

“While we are alive we cannot get to a star, any more than when we are dead we can take the train,” wrote Van Gogh to his brother.

I suppose he was right.

Jed is a sophomore in Media. He can be reached at [email protected].