Blu-Ray Review – Loving Vincent (2017)

Set after the death of fabled painter, Armand Roulin (Douglas Booth) is possessed with a letter from Van Gogh to his brother Theo before his death and begins the journey to deliver it.

Generated by 65,000 paintings by over a 100 artists, Loving Vincent is living work of art. First shot as a live-action depiction then adapted into paintings, the immersive gallery of scenes is a first in a new format of animation. Directors: Dorota Kobiela, and Hugh Welchman take Van Gogh’s own artistry into his own biography (almost), from Citizen Kane style narrative, assessing and celebrating the life of one of the worlds if not the most famous painter. From this production becomes transporting cinema experience into the world of Van Gogh and an enchanting watch of magnificent painting and animation.

Vincent, who suffered, from what we now call bi-polar disease, was an intelligent, deeply sensitive man, who had a sad childhood in a strict bourgeouis family, and was something of a misfit. He showed immense natural art talent. This can be seen clearly and unmistakably by looking at his early drawing. Later he used brush techniques that imitated the ‘signature marks’ in his pen and ink works. He was understood and saw visual texture.

Loving Vincent is a visual sensation, proving the amazing talent that animation brings to the screen. This is by far one of the most significant films of the year and is must see experience.

Peter Fletcher

Animation, Biography | USA, 2017 | 12 | 12th February 2018 (UK) | Altitude Film | Dir.Dorota Kobiela, Hugh Welchman | Douglas Booth, Jerome Flynn, Robert Gulaczyk, Saoirse Ronan, Helen McCrory

Special Features
Over 2 HOURS of behind the scenes footage, Kickstarter updates and interviews with the cast, painters and filmmakers.