Picture of Light 1994
Distributed by First Run Features, 630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1213, New York, NY 10036; 212-243-0600
Produced by Peter Mettler
Directed by Peter Mettler
DVD , color, 83 min.
High School - General Adult
Philosophy, Physical Sciences, Weather
Date Entered: 06/03/2015
Reviewed by Justin Cronise, D'Youville College, Buffalo, NY and Genesee Community College, Batavia, NYPicture of Light is a beautiful and contemplative documentary chronicling a film crew traveling to northern Canada in an attempt to capture on film the magic of the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis. This award-winning film is experimental and atmospheric, seeming to be less about plot than experience. Acclaimed Canadian filmmaker Peter Mettler’s stunning photography and visuals are paired with Jim O’Rourke’s found sounds and original music. The result is textured, immersive, otherworldly, and at times haunting. Mettler’s measured monotone is philosophical and meditative: “These images and sounds are articulations of experience. We look at them and try to decipher the reality that gave birth to them.”
I love the way this film moves slowly and even mysteriously, obscured in darkness and snow, and then illuminated gloriously by the lights of the Aurora Borealis. Mettler brilliantly communicates the wonder, wildness, and beauty of nature. At the same time, he juxtaposes humanity’s seeming obsession to capture and tame nature with the banality of technology and media. Although this film is now over 20 years old, Mettler’s words and images remain relevant. Commenting on our society’s media fixation, he says: “We live in a time where things do not exist if they are not contained in an image.”
The thoughtfulness and artistic qualities of Picture of Light make it an excellent platform for both analysis and discussion. The power of this film comes from the contemplation it inspires, whether on topics of philosophy, science, natural phenomena, media, or society. For a straight visual representation and scientific explanation of the natural phenomena of the Aurora Borealis, look to National Geographic’s website where some excellent videos using more recent photographic technology are freely available. Picture of Light is highly recommended for public and academic libraries.
Awards
- Best Film, Best Cinematography, & Best Writing at Hot Docs Toronto
- La Sarraz Prize in La Semaine de la Critique at the Locarno International Film Festival
- Award for Excellence in the Arts from the Swiss Ministry of Culture
- Grand Prize (Images & Documents) at the Figueira da Foz International Festival
- Best Ontario Film at the MCTV Awards
- Award for Excellence at the Yamagata International Documentary Festival
- Best Writing, Best Cinematography, Best Film – Science, Technology & Environment at the Canadian Independent Film Caucus Documentary Awards
- Certificate of Merit Award at the Chicago International Film Festival
- Certificate of Merit, Golden Gate Awards at the San Francisco International Film Festival