The year is 1890. In a quiet little village in France, Vincent Van Gogh is having a nightmare on the last day of his life. As he is jolted out of his terrifying dream, he finds himself face to face with death. Unfazed by the apparition in front of him, he engages in a conversation with death expressing anguish at how life has treated him as an artist. Sympathizing with Van Gough, Death offers him a choice about the circumstances of his next life.
‘Death Offers Life’ is a short script from screenwriter Madhu R that re-imagines this page from history, without diluting the authenticity of the facts as we know them. While the actual cause of the death of Van Gogh remains a mystery to this day, the writer innovates a solution to this enigma for the story to move forward, without deviating from the available facts. In his final conversation with death, Van Gogh introspects the circumstances that shaped his life as an unrecognized artist. The writer introduces us to the frustrations and desperations of an unaccomplished artist. Who, despite his marked talent has remained unappreciated his entire life. Undaunted by his rejections, Van Gogh believes in himself and is willing to sacrifice happiness in his next life for his creations in this one.  He wants his art to remain back in this world and spread joy among future generations. The writer sets a beautiful premise for the existence of the brilliant works of the great artists for us to enjoy. Â
‘Death Offers Life’ addresses the question of whether ‘the artist is more important than his creation’. He answers it with Van Gogh’s conviction to stay away from a gamble with his coming life and place all his chips on his legacy proving his true worth in this world, even after he is gone.
Thanks for the kind review.