Author Eray Emin Aydemir’s seventh book, “Symbols and Esotericism in Cinema”, offers a unique perspective on the concepts of cinema, symbology, and esotericism.
Published by Hermes Publishing, “Symbols and Esotericism in Cinema” explores how directors and screenwriters view symbols, addressing the hidden narratives and esoteric connections reflected in films.
In his seventh book, Aydemir aims to take readers on a different journey into the world of symbols and esotericism, while also including numerous visual symbols throughout the book.
The impressions of Prof. Burak Buyan, a faculty member of Istanbul Beykent University’s Communication Department, who reviewed the book and wrote its back cover, are as follows:
*”In the visual universe of a fictional film, no image is placed by chance. Every element is carefully selected and positioned to contribute to the composition. It is up to the viewer to relate all the details—from the character’s name to the pattern on the rug—and evaluate them as a whole. This way, the main idea, theme, or message can be reached. A child watching the 1954 animated adaptation of *Animal Farm* might enjoy a simple story, while an adult will decipher the political references and take away a very different message. To grasp the subtext of films with layered structures, one must be familiar with the cultural codes used and decode them accordingly.”*
In this work, Eray Emin Aydemir thoroughly examines the signs, symbols, and metaphors found in 13 films, explaining them from multiple perspectives and connecting them to ancient civilizations, while also offering esoteric interpretations. Without delving into a full-scale film analysis, he leaves the final interpretation up to the reader’s mental construct, based on the information provided. The author presents a unique film reading guide for each work, organized into separate sections, inviting us to piece together the elements he conveys.
I believe this valuable work will not only satisfy those interested in symbolism and cinephiles but also serve as an important resource for academic research in the field of cinema.