The Universe of the Book in Cinematographic Expression

Abstract

Over the years, the book, as an object of spirit, has always been elevated to the rank of symbol, metaphor or even archetype. All these concepts about the book challenged many scientists, people of art and culture, including documentary filmmakers. In the cinematic discourse, thanks to its important components (image, soundtrack), the book obtains spatial dimensions, but also sound – a process, which deepens the ideational background, facilitates the assimilation and valorization of the book’s content. The film “The Light of the Book” (screenplay by Nicolae Dabija and Pavel Bălan, directed by Mircea Chistrugă, image by P. Bălan) about the fate, often dramatic, of many old books, and the film “Anastasie Crimca” (author Pavel Bălan), dedicated to the famous calligrapher and book miniaturist, Metropolitan Anastasie Crimca, will serve as arguments for these ideas. Thus, we will try to demonstrate the possibilities of documentary film in “bringing” home our old books, scattered for various reasons around the world, and their valorization as an important component of the spiritual heritage of the nation.