Loving Vincent Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A postman’s son has to deliver a letter to Van Gogh’s brother, but ends up solving a murder mystery painted in oil because apparently, nobody trusts the postal service with important correspondence.

🍿 Loving Vincent: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Postman’s Mission

A year after Vincent van Gogh’s death, Postman Joseph Roulin tasks his reluctant son, Armand, with delivering Vincent’s last letter to his brother, Theo. Armand, initially dismissive, embarks on this mission, traveling to Auvers-sur-Oise, the village where Vincent spent his final days.

Investigating Van Gogh’s Death

Arriving in Auvers-sur-Oise, Armand learns that Theo has also passed away. He begins to investigate the circumstances surrounding Vincent’s death, interviewing the people who knew him. These encounters include Dr. Gachet’s housekeeper, Louise Chevalier, and Adeline Ravoux, the innkeeper’s daughter.

Unraveling the Mystery

As Armand delves deeper, he uncovers conflicting accounts and suspicious details surrounding Van Gogh’s supposed suicide. He questions the possibility of foul play, exploring theories of accidental shootings and possible conflicts with local youths.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Armand Roulin (Douglas Booth): The skeptical and reluctant son of a postman who investigates Vincent van Gogh’s death.
• Vincent van Gogh (Robert Gulaczyk): The troubled and misunderstood artist whose mysterious death is the central focus of the film.
• Postman Joseph Roulin (Chris O’Dowd): Armand’s father and a friend of Van Gogh, who entrusts his son with delivering the artist’s final letter.
• Doctor Gachet (Jerome Flynn): Van Gogh’s doctor and confidant, whose relationship with the artist comes under scrutiny.
• Marguerite Gachet (Saoirse Ronan): Dr. Gachet’s daughter, whose close relationship with Van Gogh is questioned during the investigation.
• Theo van Gogh (Cezary Lukaszewicz): Vincent’s supportive brother, to whom the artist’s final letter was addressed.
• Adeline Ravoux (Eleanor Tomlinson): The innkeeper’s daughter who provides insight into Van Gogh’s state of mind before his death.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Vincent van Gogh: “I dream my painting, and then I paint my dream.” – Van Gogh expresses his dedication to his art and how his imagination fuels his work.
• Vincent van Gogh: “The truth is, we cannot speak other than by our paintings.” – Van Gogh emphasizes his belief that his paintings are his true voice.
• Armand Roulin: “How can you say what a man is, when he’s not here anymore?” – Armand contemplates the difficulty of truly understanding someone after they’re gone.

💰Box Office

• Budget: €5,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $6,735,118
• Worldwide Gross: $42,187,665

💥 Loving Vincent Reviews

Personal Review

I was blown away by ‘Loving Vincent’. The animation style is unlike anything I’ve ever seen, it’s like watching Van Gogh’s paintings come to life! The story is a compelling mystery and it made me feel so connected to his art. I especially loved the scenes with Marguerite Gachet by the piano, her painting came to life! Highly recommend!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Art enthusiasts, especially fans of Van Gogh”
  • “Those interested in animated films with unique visual styles”
  • “Viewers who enjoy historical mysteries and biographical dramas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depictions of suicide and mental illness”
  • “Some mature themes and discussions of death”
  • “May be emotionally intense for some viewers”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “A visually stunning and innovative film that explores the life and death of Vincent van Gogh through his paintings. While the storyline is somewhat simple, the immersive experience is unforgettable.
• Variety: “An artistic achievement, with each frame a vibrant oil painting. The mystery surrounding Van Gogh’s death is engaging, but the film’s true strength lies in its unique visual style.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Visually arresting and ambitious, ‘Loving Vincent’ is a testament to the power of animation. The script occasionally stumbles, but the overall experience is mesmerizing.

Audience Reactions

The animation style is revolutionary and so immersive!: Viewers universally praised the visual style, calling it unique, stunning, and unforgettable.

The score and soundtrack are also wonderful!: Viewers universally praised the use of the songs “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)” and the instrumental score.

Overall Consensus: ‘Loving Vincent’ is a visually stunning and innovative film that offers a unique perspective on the life and death of Vincent van Gogh. While the story is engaging, the film’s true strength lies in its groundbreaking animation style.

Awards

1. European Film Award (Best Animated Feature Film)- 2017

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “”Loving Vincent” is the world’s first fully oil-painted animated feature film. Over 125 professional oil painters hand-painted each of the film’s 65,000 frames.”
• “The film was initially shot as live-action with actors, which was then used as reference for the painters to create the animated oil paintings.”
• “The artists painted in the style of Van Gogh, using his techniques and brushstrokes to create a visually consistent world.”
• “It took nearly 10 years to complete the film, from initial concept to final production.”

🖥️ How to Watch Loving Vincent?

Loving Vincent is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for possible broadcast options. Some libraries also offer the DVD.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Loving Vincent, you might like these similar films:

• The Agony and the Ecstasy (1965): Another biographical drama focusing on the life and struggles of a famous artist (Michelangelo) during the Renaissance.
• Pollock (2000): A biopic exploring the life and creative process of abstract expressionist painter Jackson Pollock, with a focus on his personal demons and artistic genius.
• At Eternity’s Gate (2018): Another film that focuses on Van Gogh’s later life, with a more traditional cinematic approach, exploring his mental state and artistic vision.
• Frida (2002): A biopic about the life of Frida Kahlo, another iconic artist known for her unique style and turbulent personal life.
• Akira Kurosawa’s Dreams (1990): The movie uses dreamlike visuals and art styles to talk about the artists life.

🛒 Loving Vincent Related Products

• Loving Vincent (Blu-ray): Relive the groundbreaking animated film in stunning high definition. Experience the artistry and mystery of Vincent van Gogh’s life.
• Van Gogh: The Complete Paintings: A comprehensive book showcasing all of Vincent van Gogh’s paintings. Explore his artistic journey and immerse yourself in his world.
• ArtSkills Classic Stretched Canvas Value Pack, 8″ x 10″ Size, White, 10 Piece Set: Unleash your inner Van Gogh! This set of 10 canvases will give you the creative platform to create your own beautiful works of art. Canvases can be used with acrylics, oil paints, tempera, or even colored pencils.
• Van Gogh Museum: An Interactive Journey: Explore the Van Gogh Museum in this interactive game. Learn about his life, art, and the stories behind his most famous paintings.

🎧 Soundtrack

Loving Vincent features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)” – performed by Lianne La Havas
• “Loving Vincent” – performed by Clint Mansell

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

BBC piece about Loving Vincent, the world’s first fully painted feature film,

Ever wondered how they made ‘Loving Vincent’? This BBC piece dives deep into the painted animation process – it’s seriously mind-blowing to see how much work went into it!

Loving Vincent – Making Of

Want to see how they *actually* made ‘Loving Vincent’? This official behind-the-scenes video gives you a glimpse into the unique animation process. You’ll be amazed by the sheer artistry!

✨ Rate