Loving Vincent

Tropic Sprockets by Ian Brockway

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“Loving Vincent” is the affectionate, striking tale of the last days of van Gogh by directors Dorota Kobiela and her husband, Hugh Welchman. This is a visually stunning work, entirely done by oils put on canvas in the style of van Gogh which are then animated. The film employed 125 classically trained artists to paint each frame and if the story is a bit circular and repetitive, its imagery speaks volumes about the heart of this painter and may well bring you to a few tears.

In the aftermath of Van Gogh’s suicide, Armand (Douglas Booth) the son of a mail carrier (played by Chris O’ Dowd) is in charge of delivering a letter to Theo van Gogh.One by one, Armand questions several people about van Gogh, getting information little by little. Often he receives a parcel of talk, only to have it contradicted a moment later. He meets the painter’s supplier Tanguy (John Sessions) who tells Armand to seek out Dr. Gachet (Jerome Flynn). Gachet tells the young man that van Gogh was not crazy, he was only very sensitive and ridden with guilt.

Armand periodically crosses path with the prude Louise Chevalier (Helen McCrory) who thinks the painter was indeed crazed and somewhat sinister.

Wherever the young traveller goes, one thing is certain: the town of Auvers-sur-Oise, the residence of Gachet, is haunted by the genius van Gogh. Armand himself is becoming possessed by the man. After all, Armand is wearing a bright yellow jacket, the color of sunflowers.

Within the deep blue and saffron maddened frames of this film, there is both a buoyancy and a sadness that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Vincent van Gogh. Thick black painted crows hover in the air like question marks only to vanish. Streaks of gray blue rain attack multiple frames in the film and mock Armand’s endless questions. 

Like Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the atmosphere is heavy and thick, at once maize yellow, then indigo, solid and vexing. Armand questions his very motivations and wonders whether he will ever understand van Gogh or even find a recipient for his letter.

“Loving Vincent” is an excellent tribute piece to van Gogh and a solid primer for anyone who wishes to get a feeling for this very spiritual painter whose work is still very emotional and contemporary.

Write Ian at ianfree1@yahoo.com