There is no other movie like Loving Vincent. Period. That's a fact. This breathtaking display of animation is not only the first film animated only with oil paintings but also serves as a rare look into Vincent Van Gogh's life, art and the circumstances surrounding his death. Loving Vincent was rightfully nominated for an Oscar for 'Best Animated Feature Film' but lost out to Pixar's 'Coco'. In my belief, Loving Vincent was snubbed and should have won an Academy Award. Here are 5 reasons why:
#5: It's Unique Art Style
Loving Vincent consists of 1,000s of hand painted oil paintings. Every frame of the film was hand painted. The animation of the film is not only unique but works to pay homage to the late great Vincent Van Gogh. Every painting that was done for the film was inspired by Gogh's work. Most of Vincent's work including the famous painting 'Starry Night' and his famous portraits were re imagined and incorporated into the film. Loving Vincent's unique style of animation, beauty, and homage to one of the greatest 19th century painters is enough to win it an Oscar in my mind.
#4. It tackles serious topics
Loving Vincent delves into the last days of the troubled artists life. Armand, a son of Van Gogh's postman, is tasked to deliver one of Gogh's letters to Vincent's brother Theo, but unravels more than he can handle. The film questions whether Vincent actually committed suicide or if he was murdered. Loving Vincent explores the topics of suicide, bullying, and mental health as Armand quests to discover why Vincent may have committed suicide.
#3 It explores the artist's psyche
Dr. Gachet, who is Vincent's Psychiatrist, is seen in the film as admiring Van Gogh's work and trying to himself be a painter. He however isn't very good at it and is overshadowed by the master painter he oversees. Dr. Gachet's character serves as an example of the human desire to create art. Characters also discuss painting as a coping mechanism for Vincent and Gachet both, especially Vincent who throws a fit when he learns that his brother can no longer buy him art supplies. Loving Vincent shows us that art is natural and human and serves as an antidote to the world's chaos.
#2 It's not a Pixar film
The Oscar award for 'Best Animated Feature Film' has been awarded 17 times, and 9 times it has been awarded to Pixar ( it has been awarded to Disney 3 times, and Dreamworks twice). The only foreign film that has won this award was Spirited Away in 2002. Loving Vincent is not only foreign film but also by a studio that has never won this award. Coco, the 9th Pixar film winning this year's Oscar seems mildly as an injustice against foreign animated films and studios that weren't Pixar/Disney who have been passed over for 17 years.
#1 It's a tribute to Van Gogh
Vincent Van Gogh is often considered to be one of the most influential painters of all time. Loving Vincent is not only a tribute to the artist's art but also serves as a tribute to his life. Every frame of the movie pays tribute to Van Gogh's work. But more importantly, the plot humanizes Van Gogh and moves the audience to understand his life, and to feel the artist's pain.
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