Foudre

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.