Edvard Munch

From the much-respected English director of PUNISHMENT PARK, CULLODEN, and THE WAR GAME. This is a film about the Norwegian Expressionist painter of THE SCREAM (aka THE SHRIEK), one of the most famous paintings in the world. It was a huge recent theatrical box office hit in France upon its re-release. Famously described by Ingmar Bergman as "a work of genius", Peter Watkins' multi-faceted masterwork is more than just a biopic of the iconic Norwegian Expressionist painter, it is one of the best films ever made about the artistic process. Focusing initially on Munch's formative years in late 19th Century Kristiana (now Oslo), Watkins uses his trademark style to create a vivid picture of the emotional, political and social upheavals that would have such an effect on his art. The young artist (Geir Westby) has an affair with "Mrs Heiberg" (Gro Fraas), a devastating experience that will haunt him for the rest of his life. His work is viciously attacked by critics and public alike and he is forced to leave his home country for Berlin, where, along with the notorious Swedish playwright August Strindberg, he becomes part of the cultural storm that is to sweep Europe. There have been countless film biographies of famous artists, but only a handful can be considered major works in their own right. The Masters of Cinema Series is proud to present Watkins' original, extended 211-minute TV version of what is regarded by many as an extraordinary feat of filmmaking. SPECIAL FEATURES - New director-approved high-definition restoration of the longer TV version, Newly translated optional English subtitles, Optional SDH subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing, 112-page book with a Peter Watkins self-interview, writing by Joseph Gomez, and a timeline of Munch's life. Recommended to those who enjoyed Artificial Eye's VAN GOGH (Maurice Pialat, 1993); LUST FOR LIFE (Vincente Minnelli, 1956); CARAVAGGIO (Derek Jarman, 1986); POLLOCK (Ed Harris, 2000)