The Secret of Kells explores the artistry of illuminated manuscripts, providing a mythological background for the famous Book of Kells, and perhaps my favorite aspect of the film is its mystical animation style and the rich colors used throughout. Every scene was beautifully drawn, helping to capture the true essence of the art of illuminated manuscripts. In my opinion, no other animation style would’ve done justice to the subject matter, as the intricate and awe-inspiring drawings made the film almost seem like an illuminated manuscript in and of itself. From the detailed sprawling green foliage in the forest to the bright red fires sparked by the Vikings, color is an important tool in the style of the film and is used in a similar way to the vibrant details in the pages of many illuminated manuscripts.
Another aspect of the film I enjoyed is its homage to Irish culture. Despite its fantastical elements, The Secret of Kells seems authentically Irish, exploring the tradition of written legends and depicting the rich greenery of Ireland. Additionally, the Celtic music playing throughout the movie transports the viewer to the world of Brendan and helps us connect to the plot and characters. Ultimately, The Secret of Kells is a work of art that embodies the magnificence of the illuminated manuscript while connecting to audiences of all ages and educating them on Irish culture and artistry.
I think your point about no other animation style would have done the Book of Kells justice because this style allowed vivid shapes to be used. Colors are also very important aspect, and I like that you brought up the significance of red-I forgot to mention it in my own piece when I was writing about the colors. It adds so much to the film and emphasizes the contrast between the Irish and the Vikings.
I love your point on the importance of colors in The Secret of Kells. Certain scenes highlighted the value of colors during the making of the book, like Aidan explaining the beautiful emerald green ink only attained by picking oak tree berries. Irish culture was definitely a beautiful choice to further call attention to color, because of the gorgeous landscapes.