Act of God
Act of God is a feature documentary about the metaphysical effects of being struck by lightning. The event represents the paradox of being singled out by randomness, and so precipitates questions about chance, fate and meaning in life. The film explores seven stories from around the world that raise and respond to these questions, while keeping the sky and what comes out of it as a central visual metaphor and thread. Paul Auster, who was struck as a teenager, philosophically anchors the film, along with Fred Frith, the improviser, who both imaginatively underpins it and personally demonstrates the ubiquity of electricity in our bodies and the universe.
Member Reviews
Has a 'Student Film' Feel to it - eris
This documentary was oddly watchable. I found the subject matter very interesting, and didn't mind the sometimes annoying aspects of the film, such as the 'music' made by the improv artist that went on and on, or the shameless plug for a lightning strike victim's personal empowerment business. (filmmaker actually showed us about 20 seconds of this guys website loading--it was comical!) Apart from these things, I feel it was a sensitive and moving retelling of stories of lightning strike victims and the people they have left behind. The storm footage from Lake of the Woods was frighteningly beautfiful. I say go ahead and watch it, but don't expect much.Take a nap instead! - Diana
I don't normally write reviews but I keenly feel the need to advise viewers NOT to resist the urge to turn this film off in the hopes that it is going to get any better; it doesn't! (The weather channel is far more interesting). Or, if you insist on watching it, at least make sure you have plenty of pharmaceuticals in your system first - that might make it slightly more bearable.Make it stop! - Sheenie
I'm watching this right now. There's a guy talking about his spiritual awakening after being hit by lightning. He lives in Las Vegas. Seriously. I thought this would be a more scientific documentary but I'm about halfway through and I don't really know what it's about. This same guy is now talking about how he's built the largest end-of-life care for veterans, and trained people on how to help dying people "cross the veil". Seriously. What does this have to do with lightning? I'm shutting this off now. Seriously.
Member Reviews
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Has a 'Student Film' Feel to it - eris
This documentary was oddly watchable. I found the subject matter very interesting, and didn't mind the sometimes annoying aspects of the film, such as the 'music' made by the improv artist that went on and on, or the shameless plug for a lightning strike victim's ...Take a nap instead! - Diana
I don't normally write reviews but I keenly feel the need to advise viewers NOT to resist the urge to turn this film off in the hopes that it is going to get any better; it doesn't! (The weather channel is far more interesting). Or, if you insist on watching ...Make it stop! - Sheenie
I'm watching this right now. There's a guy talking about his spiritual awakening after being hit by lightning. He lives in Las Vegas. Seriously. I thought this would be a more scientific documentary but I'm about halfway through and I don't really know what ...