“Vincent and the Doctor” stands out as a deeply moving and unique episode in the vast Doctor Who universe. Written by Richard Curtis, known for his romantic comedies, this Series 5 gem takes the Doctor and Amy Pond on a journey to 19th century France, where they encounter the iconic artist Vincent van Gogh amidst a terrifying invisible monster. More than just a monster-of-the-week story, this episode delves into the beauty and torment of Van Gogh’s world, exploring themes of perception, mental health, and the enduring power of art.
The episode opens with a scene of idyllic beauty – a wheatfield swaying in the wind, vividly captured in the style of Van Gogh’s paintings. Dr. Black, an art expert at the Musée d’Orsay, eloquently describes the profound artistic output of Van Gogh’s final months, emphasizing his lack of recognition during his lifetime. It’s here, in the heart of artistic appreciation, that the Doctor and Amy arrive, initially on what seems like a leisurely museum visit.
Vincent van Gogh’s Wheatfield with Crows painting, a depiction of the artist’s signature style and the setting of the episode’s opening scene.
Amy, initially suspicious of the Doctor’s unusually kind demeanor, is drawn into a mystery when the Doctor notices a disturbing figure in Van Gogh’s painting, “The Church at Auvers.” This unsettling detail, invisible to the naked eye in the real painting, signals something amiss and propels them on their time-traveling adventure to meet the artist himself.
Their arrival in 1890 Auvers-sur-Oise is immediately immersive, recreating Van Gogh’s famous “Cafe Terrace at Night” in breathtaking detail. This visual fidelity to Van Gogh’s art is a hallmark of the episode, blurring the lines between reality and canvas, and immersing the viewer in the artist’s unique perspective.
Cafe Terrace at Night painting by Vincent van Gogh comes to life as the Doctor and Amy arrive in 1890s France.
Meeting Vincent is both humorous and poignant. Portrayed with incredible sensitivity by Tony Curran, Van Gogh is depicted as a misunderstood genius, battling inner demons while creating breathtaking art. The local villagers see him as “mad” and a nuisance, a stark contrast to the Doctor and Amy’s reverence for his work.
The narrative quickly shifts from historical encounter to monster hunt when a woman is brutally murdered by an unseen creature. Only Vincent can perceive the Krafayis, an invisible, lonely creature driven by fear and desperation. This plot device serves as a powerful metaphor for Van Gogh’s own struggles; he sees the world differently, perceives things others cannot, and is often ostracized for it.
The scenes in Van Gogh’s cottage are rich with artistic references. Paintings like “Bedroom in Arles,” “Starry Night,” “Blossoming Almond Tree,” and “Portrait of Dr. Gachet” are not just set dressing; they are integral to establishing the environment and reflecting Van Gogh’s inner world. Amy’s genuine awe and appreciation for Van Gogh’s art mirror the audience’s own, creating a bridge between the fictional narrative and the real-world admiration for the artist.
Van Gogh’s Bedroom in Arles painting, reflecting the intimate and artistic space where the Doctor and Amy reside.
The Doctor’s attempts to understand and combat the Krafayis are interwoven with moments of genuine connection with Vincent. He acknowledges Vincent’s unique perception, realizing that his ability to see the monster is not madness, but a heightened sensitivity. This validation is crucial for Vincent, who is constantly battling societal rejection.
The climax of the episode takes place at the church in Auvers, the subject of Van Gogh’s painting and the creature’s hunting ground. The fight with the Krafayis is not a typical action sequence. It’s clumsy, desperate, and ultimately tragic. Vincent, using his easel as a weapon, inadvertently kills the creature, realizing in its final moments that it was not malicious, but terrified and alone – mirroring his own feelings of isolation.
The Church at Auvers
The episode’s emotional core lies in the Doctor and Amy’s attempt to show Vincent his worth. They take him to the Musée d’Orsay in 2010, where he witnesses firsthand the world’s adoration for his art. Dr. Black’s passionate and eloquent praise of Van Gogh as “the finest painter of them all” brings Vincent to tears – tears of joy and validation that he never experienced in his own time.
This journey to the future, while heartwarming, doesn’t magically erase Vincent’s pain. The episode poignantly acknowledges that while time travel can offer moments of solace and perspective, it cannot rewrite history or cure deep-seated suffering. Van Gogh’s fate remains unchanged, a somber reminder of the realities of mental illness.
However, the episode concludes on a note of hope and lasting impact. Amy notices a small but significant change in Van Gogh’s “Vase with Twelve Sunflowers” painting in the museum – a dedication “For Amy.” This subtle alteration signifies that their encounter, while not altering his tragic end, did bring moments of joy, validation, and connection into Vincent’s life, adding to his “pile of good things.”
“Vincent and the Doctor” is a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Vincent van Gogh, a celebration of art’s ability to transform pain into beauty, and a poignant exploration of perception and empathy. It’s an episode that resonates deeply with viewers, prompting reflection on mental health, artistic genius, and the importance of seeing the world through another’s eyes. It remains a beloved and critically acclaimed highlight of the Doctor Who series, showcasing the show’s capacity to blend science fiction with profound human stories.
