ABSTRACT
When a technique that overtly stylizes the look of an image is used consistently whenever a certain type of situation takes place in a story, its narrative purpose will be clear and easy to grasp by an audience. However, it is also possible to use a technique in different types of situations within the same story to communicate a much more nuanced and complex idea; this implementation, however, requires a strategic approach to how and when the technique is used, to prevent it from coming across as just a randomly occurring stylization. Julian Schnabel’s biographical drama about the final years of Vincent van Gogh’s life at Arles, At Eternity’s Gate , showcases an unconventional stylization of the image during several pivotal scenes that give audiences a glimpse into his creative process. The systematic implementation of the partially blurred subjective shots in the scenes establishes a strong visual connection that implies they share a common theme: van Gogh’s creative process.
