Eter (Zanussi, 2018): Poland, Ukraine, Russia

Reviewed by William Edwards at the 2019 Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

”Eter” directed by the eminent Polish director, Krzysztof Zanussi, was a magnificent cultural, psychological and philosophical statement meant to reveal the impact that evil has on the world.  The set design, narrative and acting all lend itself towards the understanding that evil is certainly present in this world and it certainly had a foothold around the turn of the century, right at the brink of World War One.

The story of a doctor trained in the science at that time shows the fascinating backdrop of the pre-scientific ideas of the ether along with other psychic phenomena popular reveals a kind of extreme ultra scientific mentality that resists common notions of humanity.  The main character of “Doctor”; who in fact, does not have a name in the movie, is ambitious to bring Scientific discoveries as a means to control other people, and gain personal power.  His relationship to his assistant, Tara, reinforces his means to an end thinking, as he moves through the story only bent on satisfying personal goals and desires without really caring about individuals.

Although the structure of the narrative is quite inventive, as it adds on another structure far along into the main story; it’s the philosophical implications that the film strives to communicate – something that the filmmaker admitted to in his question and answer period after the film was shown.  Science without humanity is something not only evil but has the potential of a degrading impact on humanity itself.  The strive for totalitarian control or subjugation of human feelings towards some sort of ultimate power and satisfaction ultimately slows down human development and so, does not actualized it.  Far from it, according to the esteemed director, who believes that life is ultimately a mystery that can’t be comprehended nor ultimately controlled by the scientific mind.  Or if it does reach some kind of threshold of power, we’re in a lot of trouble.  A well-thought out and visually realstic movie constructed by a master artist; for those who are not looking for a feel-good movie, but something that penetrates the normal gaze of conventionality, with a close look at a bygone era…then this is the movie for you.