The principle of symmetry as a method of constructing a frame in the films of Andrei Tarkovsky

The concept of symmetry has always been one of the fundamental laws of the universe: of animate and inanimate nature. Its use in the art was used since ancient times as one of the principles of harmonization of artistic space. Perceptions of symmetry in the Greek aesthetic views were associated with the concept of harmony and perfection of form, and these ideas continue to operate today. Contemporary art, in spite of its young age, often uses the framework of the principles and beliefs of the ancient and classical arts. For example, cinematography synthesizes several kinds of art and often uses the principle of symmetry and the golden section, defending its conservatism in the creation of an artistic image. Sergei Eisenstein was among the first in cinematography to speak about the methods of constructing a frame by the system of the golden section and symmetry. Many Soviet films were made by these principles. Andrei Tarkovsky, the bearer of his own meta-language in cinematography, perfected and improved the principle of symmetry bringing the viewer's perception to a different level, so that his films were compared with works by Renaissance artists. Tarkovsky uses the principle of symmetry in each film. The principle is meaningful for a particular frame or the film as a whole. Analysis of Tarkovsky's works found several basic features of the use of symmetry in his films: it is symmetry as a compositional structure of a frame and symmetry of shaping an artistic image in a film. Each of these features is present in the seven works of Andrei Tarkovsky, making his films similar to the canvases the director used in each film. Using symmetry for constructing a frame represented in the films of Andrei Tarkovsky still affects many contemporary filmmakers who learn not only the art of sophisticated composition constructions based on symmetry and golden section, but also the understanding of the semantic relationship between the composition and the visual drama of the image. Researchers art and film critics traditionally analyze the films of Andrei Tarkovsky through the aspects of meaning, specificity of the artistic narration, use of meta-language which was characteristic of the director. No less important aspect of Tarkovsky's heritage studies can be the principle and methods of construction of the frame, which allow better seeing and understanding the ontological and artistic essence of the great Russian director's works.

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