(essay)

One of my best autumn memories relates to a restored version of ‘The Color of Pomegranates’ by Sergei Parajanov which was released in theaters, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the director’s birth on October 6, 2024. This film-poem is dedicated to the life and works of the Armenian poet and singer Sayat-Nova. Parajanov created a complex, collage-like film filled with symbolism and visual metaphors.

The defining characteristic of the film is its unique visual style. Every frame of ‘The Color of Pomegranates’ resembles a painterly composition, meticulously designed in terms of color palette, lighting, and the arrangement of objects. The costumes, decorations, and Armenian cultural symbols employed in the film make it culturally rich and difficult to fully grasp without understanding the context. The film’s structure is closer to visual art than traditional cinema, making it revolutionary for its time.

One of the film’s distinctive features is its static frames, yet the characters and sets do not feel disconnected. The stillness is present not only in the objects but also in the performances, particularly that of Sofiko Chiaureli. Simultaneously, objects play a role on par with the actors. Their historical and ethnographic significance carries a heavy symbolic load. Every interior, ancient ritual, garment, and ornament was recreated with maximum precision.

Parajanov also emphasizes Armenian national music, blending it with visual metaphors to create a unique atmosphere. The lack of dialogue enhances the film’s meditative effect, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in a world of symbols and sensations.

It is worth noting that the pomegranate serves as a prominent and recurring symbol in the film, as well as a cultural emblem of Armenia. In this work, it can be interpreted in various ways. For example, as a ritual fruit common to celebrations and ceremonial events in many cultures, or within the context of the film, its appearance might suggest the awakening of artistic inspiration, desire, and talent.

Overall, ‘The Color of Pomegranates’ is an exceptional work of art that challenges conventional notions of cinema. It demands focus and a willingness to delve into the cultural world of Armenia while offering an aesthetic perspective on film. It remains one of Parajanov’s most influential works, a benchmark of avant-garde cinema to this day.