Watch The Iconographer

The Iconographer is a drama/fantasy film released in 2008, directed by Christopher Saint Booth. The story takes place in Russia and follows the life of Mikhail, an aging artist who has been commissioned to create an icon for a local church. Even though Mikhail is good at his craft, he is plagued by writer's block and is unable to come up with an idea for the icon.

As he struggles with his art, Mikhail gets to know a young woman named Tanya, who is a member of the church's congregation. Tanya is intrigued by Mikhail's work and convinced that he can create the perfect icon, unlike the other artists who have failed. Despite her youth, Tanya is wise beyond her years and helps to guide Mikhail down a path of self-discovery and creativity.

Throughout the film, we see Mikhail grappling with his inner turmoil and questioning his faith. He finds himself torn between the traditional art of iconography, which demands strict adherence to religious iconography conventions, and his own artistic instincts. He struggles to reconcile his desire to create a new and unorthodox icon with his strict religious beliefs.

The performance of Richard Cox as Mikhail is superb. He skillfully portrays the inner conflict of his character and the anguish of the artist's creative process. His tender relationship with Tanya, played by Jen Fuller, reminds us of the endless possibilities of friendship and mentorship.

Karl Glusman, who plays the role of Alexei, is the young, hot-headed protege of Mikhail. Alexei is jealous of his mentor's relationship with Tanya, believing that Mikhail is too old and too conservative to create an image that will inspire the congregation.

The Iconographer's storyline is a deep exploration of the role of art, faith, and personal beliefs. It is also a tribute to the long and rich history of iconography in Christian art. The film passionately delves into the role of the artist as a creator of powerful visual images and as a trailblazer who stands between the traditional and the avant-garde.

The cinematography is simply breathtaking, and the setting of rural Russia is flawlessly captured. Director Christopher Saint Booth has created a complex and thought-provoking film with an incredible script and touching performances from its cast.

The score to the film is a haunting medley of classical music, Eastern Orthodox chants, and modern pop pieces that all support the emotional and spiritual undercurrents of the plot.

In conclusion, The Iconographer is a moving and stunningly beautiful film that explores the seemingly opposite worlds of art and faith. It is led by a supremely talented cast, who deliver poignant performances that leave a lasting impression. The film is a must-see for fans of religious art and anyone interested in exploring the complexities of the human experience.

The Iconographer is a 2009 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.6.