Invisible Essence: The Little Prince

Invisible Essence: The Little Prince is a fascinating film from 2018, directed by Charles Officer. The movie takes an artistic, philosophical and cerebral look into one of the world’s most translated books in human history - "The Little Prince," written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in 1943. The documentary features a diverse range of panellists, including Guillaume Cote, Olivier d'Agay, and Adam Gopnik and dives deep into the speculative abyss, striving to discover the "invisible essence" embedded in the heart of this epic tale.

Invisible Essence reminisces along with Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the author of “The Little Prince,” tracing his life, his experiences as an aviator, and the significant influences this had in the formulation of the book. The aviator's journey has materialized as a profound allegory in the story. Simultaneously, the film indulges in verbally reimagining Saint-Exupéry's iconic illustrations in a way that further deepens understanding, establishing that "what is essential is invisible to the eye."

The film features in-depth discourses with Olivier d'Agay, who happens to be the great-nephew of Antoine Saint-Exupéry. There are also commentaries by acclaimed journalist and staff writer for The New Yorker, Adam Gopnik, who brilliantly interprets the profound meaning of the book and brings forth the complexities involved. The Canadian ballet dancer Guillaume Cote becomes another facet of this kaleidoscope of perspectives. Through his movements, Cote translates the text and interprets the tragically beautiful journey of the Little Prince into dance, creating an incredible visual parable.

Invisible Essence knowingly broadens its reach to include the viewpoint of a blind Pakistani-Canadian boy, Sahil, who has developed a unique kinship with the Little Prince's storyline. Sahil's interaction with Braille and his relationship with the book's themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss weave an intricate thread through the greater narrative of the documentary. A refreshing perspective, it highlights how words hold different meanings when seen through the eyes of the visually impaired, subtly exploring the book's concept of 'invisible essence.'

The film is a meditative analysis and a creative pursuit of Saint-Exupéry’s masterpiece—not just for its poetic beauty, but also for its philosophical depth. Throughout the film, it uses panels of the book, animation, archival footage, interviews coupled with engaging narrative and the Canadian Ballet’s beautiful performances to nurture its inferences. The movie sets out to do more than merely explore ‘The Little Prince;’ at its very foundation, it attempts to grapple with the profound and universal themes it evokes: the nature of creativity, the educational system, the process of aging, and man's eternal quest for belonging and purpose.

The truths provided in the conversations are intermittently contrasted and reinforced by the perspectives of contemporary children who are asked to lend their interpretations of the book’s intricate drawings and elaborate metaphors. The inclusion of these naively simplistic yet ironically profound interpretations brings warmth and palatability to a film that can, at times, feel quite heavy and panoramic in its scrutiny.

This beautifully shot, thought-provoking film doesn't shy away from meandering into the metaphysical realm. It is an exploration of the blurred lines between the complex adult world and the enchanting simplicity of the childlike perspective. 'Invisible Essence: The Little Prince' doesn't seek to offer definitive answers. Much like the book, it seeks to encourage introspection—to create a unique dialogue between the film and its viewer about existence, meaning, and the underpinnings of humanity.

Invisible Essence: The Little Prince is a sensorium where cinema, literature, philosophy and personal narratives converge to create an intricate web of ideas, thoughts, and contemplations. It is not merely a revisit to the story of 'The Little Prince' but an expanded exploration. The film is a beautiful journey with 'The Little Prince' and the multitude of themes interwoven into its narrative, making it a must-watch for intellectual stimulation and heartfelt insights into one of the most beloved novellas of all time.