BBC - The Impressionists Miniseries (2006) Part 3

The lavish BBC production as seen on public television. Rivalries, romance, and a struggle for recognition – a unique insight into the world of the Impressionist painters in a fascinating factual drama for BBC ONE. The French Impressionists' struggle for recognition in the face of massive hostility from the 19th Century art world is brought vividly to life in this sumptuous drama. The delicacy of Monet's water lilies and Degas' exquisite ballerinas contrast sharply with the real story which involved huge controversy, poverty, scandal and rivalries between a group of like-minded artists. Looking back on his life in 1920, Claude Monet (Julian Glover) recalls the story of the Impressionists - a movement that shook the foundation of the art world. He and fellow painters Auguste Renoir and Frederic Bazille begin a forty-year struggle against the Salon, the annual state art exhibition of the Paris art establishment. Overcoming criticism, poverty and misfortune, Monet along with his counterparts eventually achieve the success they only dreamt was possible. Richly woven with quotes from the primary sources, the series captures characters' idiosyncrasies – Cezanne's hatred of barking dogs, his mistress Hortense's love of lemonade, Monet's flamboyant dress sense and Degas' irritability – to bring the story of the Impressionists to life. The story is based on original letters and interviews with Claude Monet. The Impressionists is beautifully shot on location in Provence and Normandy - at Monet's garden at Giverny, and in locations in the UK.

Cast Julian Glover, Richard Armitage, Michael Mueller, Charlie Condou, James Lance, Aden Gillett, Andrew Havill, Will Keen.

Written by Sarah Woods and Colin Swash ; Produced and directed by Tim Dunn and Mary Downes«

Part 3

Rivalries and betrayal come to the fore in the concluding part of The Impressionists. While Cezanne suffers for his art, Manet is awarded the Legion d'Honneur and Monet finds love and creative fulfilment among the lilies of Giverny. After many years struggling with the Salon and the Paris art establishment, Manet's achievements are formally recognised when he is awarded the Legion d'Honneur. Gravely ill with syphilis, he conceals his pain from his friends at the celebrations. He paints his last masterpiece, A Bar at the Folies-Bergere, which is loved at the Salon. As the Impressionists start to enjoy their growing acclaim, Paul Cezanne takes the movement in a new direction. Savaging his work as “the cult of ugliness”, critics write that it is “painted by a madman with shakes”. Even Cezanne admits “When the people of Aix are stuck for a laugh, they ask to see my paintings.” But Paris art dealer Ambroise Vollard bagan to pay attention to his art. Persuaded by Vollard to let him exhibit his visionary work, the world finally starts to recognise his genius. Even Degas, one of his harshest critics, buys Cezanne's Still Life Glass and Apples. The former rebels are now accepted and applauded by the establishment, their work celebrated around the world. Returning to 1920, Monet is drawing to the end of his recollections. The master of Impressionism has outlived all his friends but his passion to capture the impression of a moment has not diminished as he completes his latest masterpiece, Japanese Bridge at Giverny.

Full Version Available Upon Request