DETROIT, MICHIGAN - The artwork of Vincent Van Gogh is an amazing testimony to his sincere heart, and determination to be understood. He is a man that truly believed that there was beauty in everything and that it was all around us. The film “Loving Vincent” probes into Van Gogh’s final days, and uncovers unknown facts about his short life. The animated film is unique in that it took seven years to make and 65,000 oil paintings. Artists were employed around the world and it was funded through the Polish Film Institute.

Investigating The Strange And Unique Life Of Vincent

The story takes place one year after the death of Vincent Van Gogh in the village of Auvers-Sur-Oise in northern France. Vincent died as a result of suicide and the small town is still buzzing over his odd life and passing. The postman asks his son, Armand, to take a letter to Vincent grief-stricken brother Theo. The content of the letter is a mystery and is the focus of the film. We begin this long journey of inquiry, morbid curiosity, and ultimately the truth of Vincent’s death.

The first stop is Paris and once he arrives there he runs into Pere Tanguy, an art shop owner in Montmarte. Armand is informed that Theo Van Gogh had died six months ago. It is suggested here that Vincent’s brother Theo may have died from a broken heart. Pere suggests that Armand should to go Auvers-Sur-Oise and look for Dr. Paul Gachet. Art fans will recognize him from the famous painting that Vincent made. It was Dr. Gachet who provided hospitality for Van Gogh after his release from a mental asylum. Dr. Gachet also attended Vincent’s funeral and had a very close bond with him.

Once Armand arrives he is stunned to learn that Dr. Gachet is out on business. Not knowing what to do next he takes a room at the very same rooming house that Vincent lived in during his stay in town.

A very interesting thing occurs along the way when Armand encounters a doctor who investigated Vincent’s lifeless body. Vincent’s bullet wounds are inconsistent with a suicide and the shots appear to have been shot from far away. A local villager was questioned, Rene Secretan, who often bullied Vincent. relations with Van Gogh, but she does not believe that René was capable of murder. Now the idea comes forth that Vincent Van Gogh could have been murdered.

The film is hypnotic because the graphics on the screen are constantly moving. There are swirls of colors from a rich palette of vibrant paint. The movie is constantly in motion with animated brush strokes. We are also pulled into the paintings and seeing the world of Van Gogh come to life. The effect is both illuminating as it is haunting. The story is also compelling because we can see the famous paintings of Van Gogh’s life in the context of his famous artworks. They are pivotal markers for the timeline of his life and his travels. For the first time, we understand these paintings in a narrative plotline.

Screening At The Detroit Institute Of Arts

“Loving Vincent” was screened at the Detroit Institute Of Arts, (DIA) for a special engagement. It was well attended and there were some of the film's artists in attendance. They got on stage and told us how it was all done. The artists worked in groups around the world and completed the artwork in sections.

The work on the film was incredible and labor-intensive. It should have received the world acclaimed fame that Vincent had sought after. Sadly, the film did not receive the best-animated picture that year. The award for a best-animated picture in 2017 went to Disney’s “Coco”, a film about singing cartoon skeletons.

The film was pushed under the rug and only enjoyed a limited engagement in the art film circuit. Outside of the screening at the DIA this film can be found online at Itunes, and Google Play.

"If you truly love Nature, you will find beauty everywhere."

Vincent Van Gogh

For More Information About The Upcoming Show:
https://www.dia.org/vangoghinamerica

ART IN DETROIT !!