In Vincent van Gogh’s paintings, meadows bask in warm French sunshine and villages glow under brilliant stars.

But in his personal struggles, darkness prevailed at age 37.

The Science Center’s newest film, “Van Gogh: Brush with Genius,” humanizes the prolific artist who created more than 900 paintings in his 9-year career.  The film traces Van Gogh’s life and artistic development through personal letters to his brother, Theo. His passion and torment are revealed in his own words, effectively voiced by Jacques Gamblin.

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The large screen format is particularly effective when the camera meticulously explores Van Gogh’s paintings, revealing frenetic brush strokes and vibrant colors. Van Gogh’s artistic style, including his use of complementary colors to command attention, is a prominent focus.

Some of the best sequences compare actual scenes, such as the Church at Auvers, to the final artistic piece. It’s a visually transformative process that piques the imagination.

This movie is a departure from the usual science-oriented films, but it’s a welcome change.  Art and science share common threads; each invokes a creative process with unpredictable, often beautiful results.

The film is more cerebral than other OMNIMAX films. People who enjoy the arts or those wishing to learn more about Van Gogh will appreciate the subtle pace. But young children who are accustomed to dizzying aerial footage might become restless. Time-lapse sequences provide the most action, which might not be enough to hold their interest.

“Van Gogh: Brush with Genius” isn’t a masterpiece, but it’s certainly worth a contemplative pause.

**1/2 out of four stars

“Van Gogh: Brush with Genius”
Where: St. Louis Science Center
5050 Oakland Avenue
When: Opens Friday, Sept. 18
Price: $8 adults,  $7 children and seniors
More info: slsc.org or 314-289-4424.