Loving Vincent (2017) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Roulin was troubled because Vincent had seemed calm and at peace in the weeks before his death, which contrasted sharply with the sudden nature of his passing. As the postman who had regularly delivered letters between Vincent and his brother Theo, Roulin had witnessed their close relationship and found it difficult to accept that Vincent would take his own life so shortly after expressing a sense of tranquility.

Foreshadowing: Earlier in the film, Vincent's letters to Theo reportedly contained hopeful and peaceful sentiments that made his suicide seem out of character.

• joseph roulin
• vincent van gogh
• suicide suspicion
• postman

Père Tanguy, the art supplier in Montmartre, told Armand that Theo van Gogh had died six months after Vincent. This revelation surprised Armand because he had been tasked with delivering Vincent's final letter to Theo, not knowing Theo had also passed away.

• pere tanguy
• theo van gogh
• death
• paris

Dr. Mazery, who had examined Vincent after the shooting, concluded that the gunshot wound was fired from a very short distance. This finding strongly contradicted the suicide theory, as it would be nearly impossible for someone to shoot themselves at such close range, leading to suspicions that another person was responsible.

• dr mazery
• gunshot
• suicide
• investigation
• autopsy

René Secretan was a local boy in Auvers-sur-Oise known for tormenting Vincent and brandishing a gun while intoxicated. Armand became suspicious of him because he had a history of aggressive behavior toward Vincent and had access to a weapon, making him a plausible suspect in the investigation.

• rene secretan
• suspect
• bullying
• gun
• auvers-sur-oise

Dr. Gachet revealed that he and Vincent had a heated argument in which Vincent called him a coward for not pursuing his artistic aspirations. The discussion escalated into accusations that Vincent's complete dependence on his brother Theo may have contributed to his worsening mental health, creating a painful realization for Vincent.

• dr gachet
• argument
• art
• dependency
• theo

Dr. Gachet suggested that their argument, which highlighted how much Vincent relied on Theo financially and emotionally, may have pushed Vincent into despair. Vincent may have believed his own existence was a burden to his brother and chose to end his life to free Theo from the responsibility of caring for him.

• suicide motive
• theo burden
• dependency
• despair

Marguerite revealed that she shared a close, non-romantic bond with Vincent. They connected over their mutual love of art, and she defended their relationship when questioned. However, she remained convinced that René was not capable of murder, despite the evidence suggesting foul play.

Foreshadowing: Adeline Ravoux first told Armand about Vincent's friendship with Marguerite, hinting at their close connection.

• marguerite gachet
• friendship
• art
• relationship

The letter, returned through Johanna (Theo's widow), reveals Vincent's true feelings toward his brother despite the circumstances of his death. The signature 'Your loving Vincent' suggests Vincent held no resentment toward Theo and truly cared for him, adding a bittersweet layer to the mystery and contradicting any theory of resentment driving Vincent's actions.

Foreshadowing: The film opens with Roulin's determination to deliver this very letter, highlighting its importance throughout.

• final letter
• your loving vincent
• signature
• theo

Armand was reluctant but agreed primarily to honor his father's request. Roulin believed Vincent's death was suspicious because he had seemed peaceful shortly before his suicide, which didn't align with the act itself. Armand's journey took him from Paris to Auvers-sur-Oise as he pieced together the events of Vincent's final days.

• armand roulin
• investigation
• journey
• joseph roulin

Theo van Gogh died six months after Vincent, though the exact cause is not detailed in the film. The timing of Theo's death, so soon after Vincent's, adds to the tragedy of the story and raises questions about whether grief over his brother's death contributed to his own passing.

• theo van gogh
• death
• six months
• grief