Vincent Van Gogh

I originally posted this on my "Musings" blog, but realized it fit better here. So I guess this is "cross posted."

I had seen a few clips involving Van Gogh on YouTube and was curious about the show. There are several movies about Vincent Van Gogh and I selected Loving Vincent from the library. What a trip!

The entire movie is drawn / painted based on Van Gogh's artistic style. It reminded me of the immersion experience that Ann and I went to. At times, it was visually challenging, but I loved at the end when they showed pictures of the actors that the characters were based on. 

 

I really loved how we got to "see" Van Gogh from different people's perspectives. (Also fascinating that the story is told from the POV of the postmaster's son.) Van Gogh died at age 37 and his younger brother died within the same year at age 33 from syphilis. Theo's son was named for his artist uncle and lived until 1978. Vincent Van Gogh (the nephew) preserved his uncle's legacy. I am curious to read the correspondence that survived these men. They wrote a lot of letters!

After watching this, I got two books on Vincent and his art (which I haven't looked at yet). I also requested the Dr. Who DVD from the library that holds the video clips that sparked this for me! (It's Vincent and the Doctor - Season 5, Episode 10.) That actor brought tears to my eyes!

 

I also wanted to note that I've always pronounced the name "Van Go" (as do most Americans!) but on The Great British Baking Show and in the Dr. Who clip, Europeans always say, "Van Goff." I'm  guessing they're correct . . .

Mrs. Miniver

I'm adding this even though I rarely blog movies. Jean G at church made a reference to when we watched this together (Ladies book club folks) and I couldn't really remember it. 

So I requested it from the library and remembered it as Louie and I watched it. I didn't love it, didn't hate it.

It starts in 1939 in England. It deals with WWII, classism, love, faith, . . . 

Here's what stands out for me:

• Why have Americans portraying Brits when you can hear their non-accent? Irritating!
  
• Greer Carson is lovely, but is Mrs. Miniver such an amazing and captivating woman that everyone around her changes their behavior?
• Does anyone else think it a little creepy that she keeps kissing her adult son on the mouth?
• I love that Clarence (actor Henry Travers) from It's a Wonderful Life plays a sweet little old man in this movie!
• Since this movie came out in 1942, I looked up the cast list to see who's still alive. It's a bit sobering to think about. The actor who played Tobie is still alive, but his "sister" Judy has died.