Friday, 23 March 2018

Loving Vincent: A film of immersive beauty ...




I went to see this film about Vincent van Gogh at a local out-of-town 'public gathering space for arts, culture and recreation' - "The Hub" - which is being refurbished in an historic former school ...



I'm so glad I went ... it was full to the gunwales!  Anyone interested in the process of art, film, documentary, animation, murder, art history or simply van Gogh - please try to see this film - and marvel ...


... at the creative inventiveness of the Artist, Writer, Director - Dorota Kobiela - who originally conceived the film and co-Writer, co-Director and Producer - Hugh Welchman - who joined her in bringing to life this animated biographical drama film.

It is extraordinary ...

6 years of creative development

125 oil painters painted 65,000 frames

853 oil paintings on canvas appeared in the film, and

90 design paintings, made in the year before the shoot -

over 1,345 discarded paintings ...

these defined the style in which the team re-imagined van Gogh's paintings into the world of film ...

a number of these paintings were made available for sale before the film's release



Auberge Ravoux
(now known as the House of Van Gogh)

The film was made in Poland ... the Polish Film Institute is a state-run cultural institution and is highly regarded.


It was nominated at this year's Academy Awards as the best animated feature film ...' Coco' won ...(which I'll be seeing on Sunday! - for info: but I didn't enjoy it!)


Map of the world created using van Gogh's colours
and style of painting ... 

In the link ... you can see more of their work in categories - landscape, 'noir Vincent', black and white, design paintings, characters, prints and more ...





Church of Auvers-sur-Oise
painted by van Gogh
... also about the team and crew - with their résumés - fascinating to read up ... and how they went about their work ... there are images for us to see ...

Loving Vincent tells the mysterious story of how he came to be shot and develops that theme to resolution (probably/ perhaps!) ...



Dr Gachet - by van Gogh

... we see the character actors transformed into art, then onto screen for this animated film ... as too his landscapes, and his final days after he was shot, and the interpretation as to what might have happened ... making this a murder mystery.




Adeline Ravoux - painted by van Gogh
1890
I loved this film ... and it has taught me more about art, film, creative development ... and Vincent van Gogh ... it is a delight ... and I do hope you will get to see it ... to me it sparkles oil paint!


Lady Bird and Poldark are both in the film as characters in Vincent's life ... Saoirse Ronan as Marguerite Gachet, while Aidan Turner is a boatman.  Totally useless extra bit of information!




Directors of film, together with the actor
who voiced the part of Armand Roulin.
in the French version of the film


Here's the link to all the parts ... the cast, crew, screenings and events, news, blogs etc ... enjoy the scroll around ...




As van Gogh said "we cannot speak other than by our paintings" ... 


Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

50 comments:

Rhodesia said...

I would love to see this, wonder if it will come to out little cinema in the country in France. We went to the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam. Wow, what an experience. Hope you have a good weekend, take care Diane

Steve Muench said...

I see that the movie (titled "La Passion Van Gogh" in French) is available on the French Amazon store at https://www.amazon.fr/Passion-Van-Gogh-Pierre-Niney/dp/B079QBHTNM

If it doesn't show in your area, that might be one way to see it. On the Amazon site I see that it has both the English and French audio available.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Diane - I'm sure it will ... as Steve below mentions it's in French and I bought one in English for the family here; when I get back I'll have to make a plan to get over to Amsterdam to the museum - it must be amazing ...

@ Steve - thanks for coming by and leaving us a message - appreciate your visit - but sorry to see that you're not blogging ...

Take care the two of you - and all the best for the weekend - Hilary

Vallypee said...

Ooh, I would love to see this too! Van Gogh is my all time favourite artist and this sounds like a breathtaking testament to his work and to art as a whole. I so hope it comes here...well, it must, mustn’t it? He was Dutch, after all :)

Elephant's Child said...

It sounds fascinating. I will have to see if I can track it down - himself loved visiting the Van Goph Museum and I believe would love this too.

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

Wow! This sounds like an incredibly innovative and creative way to create a film. I can't wait to see it!

Have a wonderful weekend. Cheers!

Liz A. said...

Oh, I heard about this one. Glad you got a chance to see it. I'll have to see if I can locate it.

Chatty Crone said...

I clicked on it - his art moves! I saved the site and when I have more time tomorrow I am going to take a real look - awesome.

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

I wanted to see this film but missed it in the theaters. It was only playing for a week as it was not a big money maker. It was good to read your review so I will definitely watch it on Netflix soon.

Terra said...

I definitely want to see this film. Not too long ago I read a well researched article on a theory about his death. I am being vague as I don't know what the film reveals. Love his paintings, visited the museum in Holland which has his paintings displayed in the order he painted them.

Sue Bursztynski said...

I think I’ve missed this one at the cinema, though I did see a trailer. From what I saw, I can’t imagine why it didn’t win Best Picture this year.

Jo said...

Interesting way to make a film. I don't know a heck of a lot about van Gogh, for instance I didn't know he had been shot. You do come across some interesting things Hilary. A very exploring mind.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Val - I'm sure it will come ... and definitely is available on DVD ... and is so well worth watching at least once! Stunning methodology in making a film ...

@ EC - I'm sure you'd both love it ... and definitely a great watch ...

@ Susan - yes WOW! it was ... I was bowled over ... you'll definitely enjoy it ...

@ Liz - definitely worth looking for and I hope you find it ... but if not the DVD is out here ...

@ Sandie - yes that website is fascinating ... so glad you'll have time tomorrow to look at the site and read up more about the film ... it'll stagger you!!

@ Arleen - it's a pity as it's an excellent film ... but perhaps arty and not for the general public per se - but oh so good for those of us who appreciate this kind of thing ... that's great you'll see it on Netflix anon ...

@ Terra - I'm not sure how it came out that his death might not have been suicide ... but as you say more research was done ... and this film explores that. The work in this film is extraordinary ... so I'm sure you'll enjoy it, despite his death. I haven't been to his museum - and obviously I need to get there when I return across the pond.

@ Sue - well I'm going to see Coco on Sunday - so I'll be able to give an opinion re the two films ... this was quite extraordinary and so so clever - and as you say I too can't imagine why it didn't win an Oscar award ...

@ Jo - it is fascinating to explore the website I've linked across to ... just fabulous - so brilliant to create the film ... I was lucky that the film was on and I remembered to go! It was superb ... and I only pick up what others have done ...

Thanks so much everyone - I know you'll all love the film ... such an interesting way to bring the story to life ... cheers Hilary

Unknown said...

Hi Hilary. I haven't seen or read anything about van Gogh since I studied art at school way back in the 70's. I don't think films like that make their way to SA, too European, but I will certainly look out for it now. The world map is unique. Continue having fun. Kim

Anonymous said...

As I read this I heard Don McLean's voice singing Stary Stary Night! The film is clearly entertaining and informative and one to watch out for. Thanks for telling us about it Hilary.

Click to visit Keith's Ramblings

DMS said...

They were supposed to play this at my local library this past week but had to postpone it due to snow. Sounds like a movie I would really enjoy. Loved hearing your thoughts. Thanks for sharing. :)
~Jess

Jacqui Murray--Writer-Teacher said...

I have become discouraged with many American historic films that aren't true to the facts. This sounds wonderful. I'll have to look for it in California.

Lynda Dietz said...

The Vincent movie sounds wonderful and beautifully done. I just may have to splurge on making the time to see it. I'm pretty terrible about making it to the movie theater.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Kim - that's great if you can see it somehow ... it is available on DVD - the world map is on the link I gave you ... and I just loved the representation it gave ... I endeavour to keep engaged and busy ...

@ Keith - yes I suspect we all have Don McLean's song in our minds as we think about Van Gogh ... 'Starry Starry Night' is a great song ... and was used in the end credits in this film.

@ Jess - oh what a pity ... but I'm sure they'll bring it back for you ... please see - it's wonderful ...

@ Jacqui - I could agree with you there ... this is just stunning and so so creative ...

@ Lynda - oh good ... if I've inspired you to take time out to visit and watch the film - I'm sure you'll love it

Thanks so much to you all - it's a wonderful film ... just enjoy - have good weekends - cheers Hilary

Guilie Castillo said...

I've been looking forward to this one for months! We're hoping it'll be part of this year's festival next month, because there is no chance at all that it'll be shown at theaters for regular programming (this island is big on Fast & Furious car chases and exploding helicopters, but not much interest in anything else). I'll let you know if I do see it!

Thanks for the wonderful review, Hilary!
Guilie @ Quiet Laughter

Oh, P.S.—About 'Coco', a word of caution: it has been touted as firmly couched in Mexican culture and tradition, but... Well, being Mexican myself I can tell you that the trailer was enough to make me dismiss it. By all means do see it, and enjoy it (the animation is meant to be extraordinary), but take the 'cultural' bits with a healthy chunk of salt ;)

Suzanne Furness said...

This sounds like a wonderful experience. Hope life is treating you well, Hilary. All the best.

Hels said...

van Gogh said "we cannot speak other than by our paintings". But he was socially unskilled and hard to get along with. So I will rely on the film to see how van Gogh _personally_ spoke via his paintings.

Nilanjana Bose said...

I love Van Gogh - since the time I read Lust for life as a teenager, loved visiting his museum too later. His story and his works are both life-changing. Will have to see how I can track this down - animation and Van Gogh, total win-win!

Out on the prairie said...

I will have to see about who might be showing this film, sounds good.I attended an anniversary show in 02 at his museum.

beste barki said...

I hate the fact that all the junky productions are on the social media and entertainment sites. None of the beautiful creations such as this one are made available for some reason or other. I wish it could be the other way around. Beste

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Guilie - I do hope it is part of your festival next month ... it is so delightfully made - so clever but apparently so true ... and yes the populace demands instant gratification in car chases, explosions et al ... not something so intriguing in so many ways as this ...

Re your note on Coco - thank you ... I'd realised it'll be 'a take' on Mexican culture and tradition ... so I'll just sit back and enjoy it - I'm not expecting thought provoking ... just entertainment ... but thanks for the warning ...

@ Suzanne - it's just a brilliant film ...

@ Hels - I'm sure he was socially unskilled - but these words were from a letter he wrote to his brother ... :

"Well, the truth is, we cannot speak other than by our paintings. But still, my dear brother, there is this that I have always told you, and I repeat it once more with all the earnestness that can be imparted by an effort of a mind diligently fixed on trying to do as well as one can - I tell you again that I shall always consider that you ..."

But as you say he spoke via his paintings ... enjoy the film should you be able to see it ...

@ Nila - it's an extraordinary story wrapped into this wonderful film ... such an imaginative way to bring the story to life ... I do hope you can track it down ... as you say it is a total win-win.

@ Steve - having the opportunity of being at an anniversary in 2002 of his work - must have been just wonderful ... this is such an interesting take on film making and thus bringing van Gogh to life for us ...

@ Beste - oh I agree it's so easy to see some things ... but I almost don't know what's going on - yet these sorts of films I'm delighted with ... fortunately we hear about these excellent films via our own grapevine ...

Cheers to you all - cold and frosty here this morning but the sun is rising and bringing up the mists to warm us later on ... Hilary

Kay G. said...

I want to see this film very much! I am so glad you enjoyed it and shared it here.

Have you ever read of those who believe that Van Gogh was murdered, rather than him committing suicide? What do you think?

L. Diane Wolfe said...

What a detailed and intricate film. I'm sure it took a long time to put together.

Sandra Cox said...

This sounds fascinating, Hilary, something that can be used as a teaching learning aid for the arts.
Thanks for sharing.

janice h said...

What a brilliant social life you're going to be able to have over there! Dancing, clubbing(book) and now two Oscar nominated films in a few weeks - lucky girl! I saw some of the folk involved in this film talking about it in a tv interview a wee while back and I had a weirdly intense reaction to it. On the one hand, I thought it was a bold, fascinating venture; on the other, I couldn't help thinking about all those hours of folk not painting in their 'own' styles and all the discarded art. I won't be able to go to see it; they showed a clip and it made me feel quite odd... dizzy and trippy. Maybe one to watch at home some day in the future so I can pause and move around.

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

Sounds like an interesting film

PJ said...

Thanks for sharing this Hilary as it sounds like a really interesting film - I hadn't heard anything about it previously. I also love the map of the world that you've shared and especially the colours that they've used for Australia - very appropriate.
Have a fabulous week.

RO said...

This movie looks like it would be really good, and the statistics on the paintings is pretty cool. The map of the world - quite fabulous! Hugs..RO

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Kay - this is what this film is based on ... but I just loved the way it was created ... it's a delight - so hope you get to see it ...

@ Diane - it's the imagination of creativity here ... amazing footage ...

@ Sandra - yes, so much to see ... but also to see where the disciplines cross over - certainly broadened my mind ...

@ Janice - things are happening that's for sure and there's more on its way. I hadn't seen anything on the making of the film, but was delighted that it was put on for us nearby.

Your point about the artists not getting on with their own work ... I guess it was an opportunity to learn, and to try something different, meet new creative people ... so they were happy in their work - I think I'd have been thrilled to have been involved in the film - even in a tiny way ... but you're way more creative than I am ...

@ Jo-Anne - it was a great film ...

@ Pam - I hope you get to see it - as it has such great content ... and yes, the map - glad I put it up for you!!

@ RO - I hope you can get to see it - it's really well worth it ... and I had to put up the stats ... incredible information; and another who loves the map ...

Thanks so much for visiting ... and enjoy Spring for those of us in the northern hemisphere ... it really does have to come soon!! Cheers Hilary

Ann Best said...

What a visual treat, my friend. Sounds awesome. It's been a while since we've connected, so here I am. I'm trying to post maybe twice a month, but got bogged down with life i.e. Jen care. But things are looking up, especially as spring is (supposedly) just around the corner. Hope you're enjoying life (you are still in Canada?) ((( ))) from Ann & Jen

cleemckenzie said...

I've seen excepts of this film and was blown away. What a fabulous film. Art from art!

troutbirder said...

Somehow one of my favorite all time songs come to mind. It was VINCENT as written and sung by Don Mclean. Hauntingly evocative perhaps especially to those who lives have been touched by suicide....

Pat Hatt said...

When you can enjoy and learn that is grand indeed.

Chrys Fey said...

You piqued my interest. I want to see this film now. :)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Ann - thank you ... it was a great film. Yes - still in Canada and like you awaiting Spring! Hope all goes well with Jen ...

@ Lee - it's an amazing film ... I hope you get to see the whole at some stage ...

@ TB - yes Vincent does come in at the end ... but as you say - it always resonates with his life ... and as you mention with suicide ... sad, but true ...

@ Pat - yes it was so enjoyable and my eyes were opened to so much creativity ...

@ Chrys - thanks ... it's well worth the look - just enjoy!

Cheers to you all - thanks for commenting - Hilary

Sherry Ellis said...

Sounds like a fascinating film! He was certainly a prolific artist.

aFieldtriplife.com said...

Thanks for sharing this film which is now on my "to be viewed" list.

Sue said...

Such a wonderful film. Glad you got to see it. Thanks too for the great blog post about it!

mail4rosey said...

I would enjoy seeing that film too. This kind of thing is right up my alley. :)

David M. Gascoigne, said...

I am stunned at the prices Van Gogh’s paintings go for these days and the poor guy died penniless.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Sherry - it was an amazing film ... while his work is now so appreciated ...

@ Claire - that's great - you'll enjoy the story telling aspect of the film and the way it was put together ...

@ Sue - it is a wonderful film isn't it - and yes I'm so pleased I got to see it ... glad the post matched up!

@ Rosey - I hope you can squeeze it in and get some time to watch it ...

@ David - I know art prices are something else aren't they ... and poor van Gogh was very 'haunted' through his life ... yet now so recognised as being exceptional with his talent ...

Cheers to you all - thanks ... Hilary

Lynn said...

I have wanted to see this - thanks for the impetus I needed to look for it.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Lynn - great ... you will enjoy it - and your friends and family will too - cheers Hilary

Marja said...

I saw a little of this animated movie Can't wait to see the whole movie when I can find it. Great information

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Great Marja - it's a lovely film ... so informative and so creative in its making - I loved it ... so pleased you'll be looking it out again. Cheers Hilary