FILM STUDIES

Specific problems of film restoration

This essay tackles specific problems with restoration of film that appear as a consequence of a unique physical structure of film. Its surface is not permanent and it needs to be continuously changed, which makes restoration extremely complex. In fact, the question is, are we still talking about restoration or reconstruction and how this difference impacts the understanding of the nature of film. As a theoretical background, the author uses Cesare Brandi’s work Theory of Restoration that also deals with other art forms (painting, sculpture, architecture) so this essay examines how Brandi’s theses apply to film restoration. The author also mentions the conclusions made by film and restoration theoreticians Paolo Cherchi Usai, Mato Kukuljica, Michele Canosa and Michele Cordaro.

Lucija Zore