SACRED SYMBOLS IN THE ANIMATED FILM "SOUL"

Abstract

B a c k g r o u n d . Genre-wise the article is a form of publication of analytical conclusions resulting from researching religious symbolism within the movie. The material for interpretation was derived from mass media, in particular cinematography. The article describes religious symbolism within the animated film "Soul" (2020). It is made apparent that the wide array of religious symbols in modern cinema requires a new approach.

M e t h o d s . Issues with defining religious symbolism in cinema have inspired a search of appropriate methods and research methodology. The article utilizes analytical approach based on religious symbolism found in the artistic source material – in this case an animated film.

R e s u l t s . With that considered the goal of the scientific research was to track down instances of religious symbolism in "Soul" animated film. It has been established that, despite the film's ostensibly secular character, it incorporates elements of religious symbolism. Among the key sacred motifs identified are: the soul as an immaterial principle; the pre-existence of souls, corresponding to the doctrine of the early Christian theologian Origen; the afterlife, portrayed in accordance with traditional religious imaginaries; meditation, spiritual practices, and rites of initiation; and the notion of the "spark" as a link to the divine source.

C o n c l u s i o n s . The study concludes that religious symbolism in the film is present predominantly in an implicit and metaphorical form.