Making documentary films is hard – you need not only a deep understanding of the subject but also a genuine passion for it, a real desire to convey something to your audience. For an unprepared person, it is difficult to switch from fiction to documentary cinema. And “The Book of the Sea” chose a rather interesting way to solve this problem.
Ordinary People
The film tells the story of the difficult hunting craft of the Chukotka residents, who, sparing no effort and risking their lives, go out to sea to obtain food. At the same time, the narrative is interspersed with a retelling of the myth about a woman who gave birth to a whale, in the Eskimo language of the ancient settlement of Naukan, closed during the Cold War, with Russian subtitles.
Sometimes it is impossible not to be amazed by the cultural differences that are found here and there across the vast expanse of our country – and this film allows the viewer to immerse themselves in the world and at least slightly lift the veil of mystery and enigma that surrounds this region.
“The Scarecrow” frightens, fascinates, amuses, repels, and simultaneously attracts, but leaves no one indifferent. Such cinema needs to be supported. Such cinema needs to be watched.
Open materialA Bit About Reality
Four expeditions were organized for the filming of the movie, each taking the crew about six months to shoot. We see the rather dangerous collection of eggs on a bird colony, hunting whales and walruses at sea, and attempts to sneak up on an unsuspecting seal across the snow.
However, do not be afraid, no particularly brutal killings will be shown in “The Book of the Sea”; the camera will tactfully look away at certain moments to spare the psyche of unprepared city dwellers.
At the same time, the people are shown here so open and spontaneous that at some point you truly come to appreciate their difficult work.
It is impossible not to be amazed by the determination and work ethic of these hard workers, who are ready to go and obtain food using methods that bring them spiritually closer to their ancestors. And this is despite medical contraindications and even quite serious risks of not dying, but certainly being maimed. They lack pride or envy; they help each other because they know they are working for the common good.
An Animated Fairy Tale
A special topic for discussion is the wonderful find of the creators of “The Book of the Sea” – a retelling of one of the myths of the indigenous peoples of Chukotka about the origin of whaling.
What is striking is the fact that every frame of animation was made by hand, using the cutout technique, with an almost complete rejection of any work simplifications. The main task of Eduard Belyaev – the film's lead artist and animator, who once worked on “The Mountain of Gems” – was to breathe life into an unusual story.
Sculptural plasticine, which became the material for the animation, seems to have its own soul, retaining the fingerprints of its creators, and ties the frames from reality together, as if explaining why the residents of Chukotka cannot live any other way.
The Team of “The Book of the Sea”
It is always pleasant to see people in love with their work. Alexei Vakhrushev combines in his creativity both an boundless love for his native land and a desire to attract as much attention as possible to the region.
And “The Book of the Sea” is not the first such project in his filmography. In each of his films, the director puts his soul and a desire to express what is on his mind. Time and again, you become convinced that a sufficiently passionate person can infect those around them with their passion and fire, communicating with them through other people whom they show on screen.
One should not overlook the wonderful Vyacheslav Makaryev, whom Alexei directly calls the best documentary cameraman and who went through the entire journey side by side with the director, from beginning to end.
Atmosphere Before the Screening
This point is not entirely relevant for viewers who will enjoy “The Book of the Sea” later, but not mentioning it would be sacrilege – because it so well illustrates the approach of the creators and distributors to their work.
On March 30, at the cinema at the open studio Lendoc, the immersion into the atmosphere of distant lands began much earlier than the film itself. Those who managed to get tickets for the screening were lucky enough to witness an entire program by the Chukchi ensemble “The Nomad”. Let's just say, throat singing makes an indelible impression when you are present in person.
After the program, the actual screening of the film began – and the audience was already in anticipation of what awaited them. And this approach, honestly, is simple and brilliant.
Conclusion
My advice – if you are not afraid of documentaries, and the subject interests you even a little, then try to give “The Book of the Sea” a chance. The animation is done at a high level, the film crew deserves great respect, and the film's characters will bring more than one smile to your face.
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