The Idea of an Essay, Volume 3

Analysis & Response 85 Artistry More than Entertainment Brandon Best After seeing the final edit, producers realized that Letters to Father Jacob, directed by Klaus Härö, had potential to be greater than merely a made for television film. The film won over a dozen awards at various international film festivals and was nominated for seven more. Letters to Father Jacob was ultimately chosen to be Finland’s 2009 Oscar submission. Despite its many awards and nominations, the spiritual and philosophical themes did not resonate with some critics. While both N.W. Douglas and Jeanette Catsoulis recognize the aesthetic beauty of Letters to Father Jacob , Douglas’ review more thoroughly analyzes the film’s philosophy of forgiveness. Douglas and Catsoulis’ reviews both laud the cinematography. Catsoulis says that the movie “transforms a picture-postcard location and odd-couple narrative into a pretty, and pretty predictable, snooze.” Father Jacob’s abode is picturesque: the woods are quiet and prayerful, the wetlands are natural and beautiful, and Father Jacob’s home is as antique as he is. Though she sees the end result of the cinematography, she does not see the purpose of the visual perspective beyond its being delightful to see. Douglas, however, recognizes the visual style as an artistic medium fitted to portray the message of the film. Douglas writes of the camera work, “Cinematographer Tuomo Hutri paints each frame with natural light, giving indoor scenes an expressive mood that captures the inner struggles of both.” Douglas sees how the visual perspective interacts with the characters and their emotional tone. Early in the film Leila often gravitates towards the darker areas of the room. During pivotal, thoughtful scenes Leila and Jacob’s faces have shaded and lit halves. Douglas even describes the history of this style of cinematography. He says “The use of daylight to penetrate dark and musty rooms evokes the memory of Swedish master Ingmar Bergman,” who was known for his moody themes and spiritual dramas. Letters to Father Jacob’s stark, dynamic images