by Yolonda van Riel

Loving Vincent was chosen for October’s movie night. A nice group gathered, all curious about what to expect from this film. There was actually quite a bit of discussion before it even started. “How in the world can they make a decent movie using paintings?” “ I wonder if it will have a cartoon feel?” “I’m sure I’ll either love it or hate it!”

Loving Vincent is the first entirely oil-painted animation feature film in history. One tends to get caught up in the beautiful backdrop rather than the story itself. The story revolves around the year after the death of Vincent van Gogh with the son of a postmaster trying to deliver a letter Vincent wrote to his brother, Theo. He goes on a search for Theo van Gogh and, in the process, speaks to many that knew Vincent – each with a different view on the man himself and how he died.

In general, the group enjoyed the film and there was a lively discussion afterward. Some, like myself, were totally moved by the sheer beauty of the animation while others were curious as to the different theories surrounding the death of Vincent van Gogh. If you haven’t seen Loving Vincent, it is definitely worth the price of a ticket. I, for one, will be going again … just to enjoy the beauty.