The Secret of Kells was a a pleasant surprise for our class movie. When we were told on Wednesday it was primarily a children’s movie, I was doubtful to how it could have an impact on our unit on illumination. However, I was proved wrong as elements of illumination were incorporated throughout the entire film, elegantly flowing across the screen. The director and animator clearly spent a great deal of time studying the art of illumination and the intricate designs of the Book of Kells to bring them to life in their film.
The details of illumination were not just seen in the images Brandon was drawing into the Book of Kells. From the characters to the forest, there was always the combination of uniform symmetrical patterns with flowing designs. I was first struck by the silhouettes of the other monks. Some were rounded and tall, while some were very rectangular. Then there is the abbey of Kells. The thousands of huts and the scriptorium created a pattern of arches, and contrasted against the straight lines of the tower and wall. As the film progresses, and Brandon’s perspective of the world grows, the patterns of illumination become more pronounced. The forest has the straight lines of the tree trunks paired with the curving of the branches. This is also Brandon’s introduction to brilliant color, which influences his artwork once he acquires the vibrant ink colors made of ingredients from the forest. Brandon would not have been able to create the Book of Kells without his excursions into the woods because the trips help him grow as an artist. Even his encounters with the darkness are illustrated with illumination designs, but there is a stark contrast between dark and light. Think of the serpent monster that Brandon must fight. The path of the snake is jagged and is opposed by the circle Brandon draws, similar to the contrast we have seen, however this scene lacks the golden light of illuminations, indicating to the viewer it is not the same. Illumination designs are everywhere within this movie. The Book of Kells is wonderful film that brings to life the world of illuminations, and creates a story for a treasured manuscript.
