Lightning appears and disappears, strikes and tetanises in a fraction of a second: in this world and that of the immortals. Since the beginning of time and beyond the confines of imagination. What happens when you are struck, physically and metaphysically?
Lyrical, multiform essay about one of the most fascinating natural phenomena: lightning. In four chapters linked to the four seasons, the documentary maker looks for the meaning and influence of lightning.
In chapter one, Autumn, lightning-chaser Baal talks about his passion, and five victims describe their experiences, which are not purely negative. In Winter, we look at the healing effects of electricity with a psychiatrist who uses electric shocks. Spring stands for myths, articulated by an archaeologist and seer working in Syria; he talks for instance about the magical effects of the Kama truffle, which can be found once a year thanks to lightning. In Summer, love that strikes like lightning is portrayed in a poetic costume drama about two lovers on an island.
Contemplative voiceovers and impressive images of inaccessible nature link the four parts; a tour de force which took over ten years to complete.
Synopsis
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Directors of Photography :
Manuela Morgaine, Pauline Lormant, Giovanni Laniado, Hervé Labourdette