RENOWNED Scottish documentary maker Murray Gregor's latest work takes a reverential look at the Book of Kells, an ornate and literary gem that has survived the middle ages in fantastic condition. The book itself, with its exquistely hand-painted pages by medieval monks, is a visual feast. The stories and symbolism behind the book are even more fascinating.

Stylistically, the filmmaking is assured, authoritative and straightforward. Although scientific and academic work around the book is introduced in the documentary (for example, analysis of the paint used on certain pages reveals that the paint compounds had travelled half way round the world) there are no surprises, no narrative tricks or showiness. The choice of assembled interviewees and experts - various professors, curators and medieval historians - backs up this approach.

Of course, the star of this show is the book itself, whose pages the camera lovingly pores over from beginning to end. Historical anecdote - St Columba and the Iona story, for example - and mythology are also introduced.

Given Grigor's approach, driness is unavoidable. Many will appreciate the integrity of the film, but at the same time it is the kind of educational piece that one suspects would normally be lost somewhere in BBC2's off-peak schedule. It never quite succeeds in communicating the full excitement that it continues to generate among the cogniscenti.

Printer-friendly version