All analysis is performed in accordance with the standards of the streamers, networks, studios, agencies, producers, agents and managers currently working in connection with the Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards.
Overview
Title: Finally Love: The Honor Killing Of Vincent Van Gogh
Writer(s): Irv Arenverg
Summary
In the summer of 1890, Vincent van Gogh, a renowned but troubled Dutch painter, arrives in the peaceful French village of Auvers-sur-Oise to seek artistic inspiration and escape from his inner turmoil. Under the care of Dr. Paul-Ferdinand Gachet, a quirky homeopath, Vincent hopes to find solace. The Gachet household includes the sheltered Marguerite, who becomes infatuated with Vincent despite her father’s disapproval. Their clandestine romance blossoms through intimate sessions as Vincent paints their portraits. However, Vincent’s inner demons and fear of destructive entanglements lead him to push Marguerite away after a passionate exchange. As Marguerite grapples with her feelings and familial tensions, she discovers newfound strength and defiance. The consequences of her passionate pursuit of love and Vincent’s fragile mental state intertwine, threatening to disrupt the Gachet household’s facade of respectability.
CHARACTER
Define the main character(s).
Vincent van Gogh: A renowned Dutch painter, struggling with inner turmoil and mental instability. Vincent seeks refuge in the French village of Auvers-sur-Oise to find peace and artistic inspiration. Throughout the narrative, he grapples with his own demons and tries to suppress his feelings for Marguerite to avoid destructive entanglements. Marguerite Gachet: The sheltered 20 year-old daughter of Dr. Paul-Ferdinand Gachet, the local eccentric homeopath. Marguerite becomes infatuated with Vincent after his arrival in the village and initiates a secretive romance with him, defying her father’s wishes. As the story unfolds, Marguerite’s passion for Vincent leads her to discover newfound strength and willingness to defy her family’s expectations for love.
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How was the execution of the main character(s)?
The execution of the main characters in the screenplay creates a captivating narrative with well-developed individuals who drive the story forward with their desires, struggles, and growth.
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What is the focal relationship(s) of the narrative?
The focal relationship in the narrative is between Vincent van Gogh and Marguerite Gachet. Their relationship forms the central emotional core of the story as they engage in a secretive and passionate romance.
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Is there an antagonist that provides an appropriate foil to the protagonist in terms of goals, motivations, values or ideology?
No. The story seems to center more on Vincent’s emotional journey and the challenges he faces rather than a traditional antagonist-protagonist dynamic.
DIALOGUE
Is dialogue nuanced? Do clear character goals serve as a vehicle for subtext? Or is dialogue exposition heavy? Do characters say everything they’re thinking or describe things as they happen? Do characters speak economically or is dialogue overwritten?
The dialogue is adequately crafted, making proper use of subtext and character goals.
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Do all the characters sound real and appropriate for their location, time period or background? Describe.
Yes. The characters’ behaviors, relationships, and names blend seamlessly with the historical and cultural context of the story, making them appropriate and believable for the screenplay’s setting.
STRUCTURE
Is there a beginning, middle, and end that flows smoothly from start to finish? Describe.
Yes. Act One sets the stage as Vincent van Gogh arrives in Auvers-sur-Oise seeking peace and inspiration. It introduces the main characters, the Gachet family, and Marguerite’s initial infatuation with Vincent.
Act Two escalates the conflict as Marguerite and Vincent’s secretive romance deepens, and Vincent agrees to paint their portraits, drawing him further into the Gachet household. Marguerite’s defiance of her father’s wishes and Louise’s resentment create additional tension.
Act Three intensifies the emotional stakes as Vincent’s inner struggles and concerns over their relationship lead to a pivotal rejection of Marguerite’s advances. Meanwhile, Marguerite finds strength in defying her family and seeks solace in her relationship with Louise.
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Were there any plot beats, twists or events that you found to be particularly effective or ineffective? Explain.
The plot beat of Marguerite initiating a secretive romance with Vincent despite her father’s disapproval was particularly effective. It added tension and depth to the narrative, showcasing her rebellious spirit and willingness to defy societal norms. Vincent’s rejection of her advances also added complexity to their relationship, highlighting his internal struggle. However, the introduction of Louise’s resentment towards Marguerite could have been further explored to create a more robust conflict. Overall, the screenplay effectively weaves passion, forbidden love, and the characters’ internal struggles, making it engaging and compelling.
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Do story details that are “planted” in the beginning “pay off” later on by aiding a meaningful and well-crafted resolution? Or are character developments and/or plotlines left unresolved and incomplete?
Yes. In the beginning, the story plants details such as Marguerite’s infatuation with Vincent, her strained relationship with Louise, and Vincent’s reluctance to indulge in romance. These elements are essential in building towards a meaningful and well-crafted resolution. As the narrative progresses, Marguerite’s strength and defiance, Vincent’s inner turmoil, and the Gachet household’s facade converge, leading to a compelling resolution.
CONFLICT
Where does the main source of conflict come from in the story? Describe.
The main source of conflict in the story arises from the forbidden romance between Vincent van Gogh and Marguerite Gachet. Vincent, a troubled artist, arrives in Auvers-sur-Oise seeking peace and inspiration, but his inner demons and fear of destructive entanglements prevent him from fully embracing his feelings for Marguerite. Marguerite, on the other hand, longs for excitement beyond her sheltered life and becomes infatuated with Vincent.
CRAFT/FORMATTING
Do the word choices and sentence structures create vivid pictures of the created world? Describe.
Yes. The script’s detailed and descriptive language creates vivid images of the setting.
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Is the script formatted according to standard industry conventions?
Yes. The script’s formatting follows established industry conventions.
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Is the action description brief and to the point? Or is it long-winded and providing unnecessary detail?
Yes. Action description is economically written, providing enough detail to make sure the reader tracks the story’s progression without ever bogging down the reading experience.
LOGIC
Do scenes flow from one to the next within the scope of a logical action/reaction? Describe.
Yes. Each scene is connected to the preceding one by cause and effect, moving the narrative forward in a logical sequence.
ORIGINALITY
Is the premise original? Is the combination of characters, settings, or genre inherently novel or interesting?
No. The premise of the screenplay is not entirely original. It draws upon historical elements and themes often explored in art and literature.
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Does the script make any fresh contributions to its genre? If not entirely original, does the script present a unique perspective or “take” on a commonly explored theme, plot, or character type? Are there any events which are unique to the genre?
Yes. The portrayal of Vincent van Gogh and the fictional romantic entanglement with Marguerite provides a unique perspective.
PACING
Describe the balance between action and dialogue.
The screenplay maintains a commendable balance between action and dialogue, effectively propelling the narrative forward while allowing characters to express themselves.
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What is the overall ease of the read? In other words, is the formatting and language used in a way that makes the script easy to comprehend, or does the reader find his/herself rereading portions of the script for clarity?
The script makes use of a simple writing language that creates an easy and accessible reading experience.
CONCEPT
Can the underlying core concept be discerned and summarized quickly?
The core concept revolves around Vincent van Gogh’s tumultuous romance with Marguerite, the daughter of his caretaker, Dr. Gachet, in the summer of 1890 in Auvers-sur-Oise. Their forbidden love, intertwined with Vincent’s artistic struggles and mental instability, challenges the Gachet household’s facade.
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Are tension and conflict built into the premise? Does it make a clear and quick logline/pitch?
Yes. The tension and conflict in the premise arise from the illicit romance between Vincent van Gogh and Marguerite, the doctor’s daughter. Vincent’s resistance to their connection and
Marguerite’s defiance of her controlling father create a web of emotional turmoil. The logline could be: “In 1890, troubled painter Vincent van Gogh finds solace in a French village, but
when he sparks a forbidden romance with Dr. Gachet’s infatuated daughter, Marguerite, their passionate entanglement threatens to unravel their lives and shatter the veneer of respectability in the Gachet household.”
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Are there any themes that stem from the premise? Is there a message? Is it delivered subtly or didactically?
Yes, the premise suggests themes of forbidden love, artistic passion, and inner turmoil. The story explores the complexities of human emotions and the struggle between societal expectations and personal desires. The message seems to revolve around the power of love to challenge and transform individuals, as well as the impact of repressive environments on artistic expression and mental health. The delivery appears to be subtle, allowing the characters’ actions and emotions to convey these themes, rather than overtly preaching or instructing the audience.
STRENGTHS
Strengths:
• Compelling character development
• Evocative setting
• Emotional depth
FINAL COMMENTS
The screenplay has a captivating premise set in the late 19th century, focusing on the troubled artist Vincent van Gogh and his entanglement with the Gachet family, particularly with the young and infatuated Marguerite. The forbidden romance between Vincent and Marguerite adds a layer of tension and emotional depth to the narrative. The dynamics within the Gachet household, including the strained relationship between Marguerite and Louise, provide additional complexity to the story.