Blog # 7-Scene Deconstruction

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQMPOA8BTKk

       This scene from the Secret of Kells, shows us that the theme of the film is that even in time of despair, and darkness, a thing of beauty can be more important than anything else. This brought to the front with Aidan, and the Abbot. The Abbot thinks the most pressing thing is finishing a wall intended to keep out the vikings, while Aidan belives the finishing the Book of Kells will be more useful to the people than the wall. He even tells the Abbot that the wall will never keep out the vikings, and all they can do is run. Of course there are many other scenes like this in the film, stressing the importance of the Book of Kells and the hope it will bring, so the theme of the film is active.


In the scene, one of the more subtle ways the theme is showcase is through the contrast and affinity of shapes of the Abbot, and Aidan. The Abbot's head is only slightly rounded; it is more square shape, which is very fitting. It means he likes to be in control (he is the Abbot after all), strong, and conservative and he dislike the change to the Abbey that Aidan brings with him, by questioning his wisdom. His exact opposite is Aidan. Aidan is literally a more rounded character than the Abbot. He's kind, and warm. All of which are in direct contrast to the stern, cold Abbot. Another way the theme is shown is through space. Most of the scene takes place within the Abbot's tower room. It sounds simple, but it's changing throughout the scene-from limited space, to flat space-the drawings on the wall have dissparead, and it becomes merged with the floor. On the surface you think, "it's just an animated film, so it's part of the direction".  Remember the Abbot's devotion to the wall is equal to Aidan's devotion to the wall. When the room changes into flat space the main focus in on the Abbot's plan for the wall surrounding the abbey, which takes up the entire floor. This also gives us an insight on the Abbot’s mind unconsciously, for his room itself is a manifestation of his mind, the floor, and the wall everything has been covered with madcap plan for defenses that aren’t very stable.