Heart of Lightness

Heart of Lightness is a fascinating 2014 dramatic feature film directed by talented Jan Vardoen, starring the likes of James Bachman, Michael Colgan, and Daniel Bianchini. The movie blends action, drama, and defiance, creating a deeply philosophical and radiating story that keeps the audience engaged and offers an understanding of the connection between art and reality.

Heart of Lightness takes place in the brilliantly capturing, picturesque terrains of Norway. Eight successful British actors and a tight-knit Norwegian crew brave the elements, ranging from wild storms to foggy weather, to recreate Henrik Ibsen's famous play, "Lady from the Sea". Norwegian summers are famously unique - they have very little darkness, with nearly 24 hours of daylight, and this peculiarity significantly sets the tone for the film.

This band of dramatic explorers ventures into the barren, remote Nordic landscapes under 24-hour daylight, isolating themselves from the rest of the world to rehearse this famous play. Locked away from the media glare, crammed in a small wooden cabin, they struggle with the elements, their own egos, and more importantly, the play itself. Filled with numerous emotionally charged dialogues, deep philosophical undertones, and visually breathtaking scenes, the film beautifully manages to capture the stress, conflict, and passion of actors as they grapple to understand and interpret the play's complex themes.

The central character, British actor James Bachman, delivers a compelling performance depicting the desperation, eccentricity, and fear of a character caught on a journey for personal truth and resonance with his character in the play. Michael Colgan plays a character struggling with his own identity, trying to find unity between the fictional character and his authenticity. Daniel Bianchini brings an intense presence to the ensemble, dealing beautifully with the character's nuances and vulnerabilities.

There is a fascinated tension between reality and acting throughout the film. Vardoen provides thoughtful nuances into the meticulous process of acting and rehearsing, and the intertwined relationship between the actor's persona and their character. The flavor of Scandinavia and the dramatic contrast between the blistering light and the harsh weather is compellingly presented, offering a visually stimulating experience.

Apart from the professional struggles of the characters, the movie also explores a personal dimension of its characters, including their interpersonal relationships, their past, and their dreams. As the actors delve deeper into their characters, their own personal problems, frustrations, and hidden truths come to the surface, adding a whole new layer of complexity and emotion to the plot.

Cinematography is another high point of the movie, with the untouched and mysterious landscapes of Norway playing a big part in creating a fitting backdrop to the story and its themes. The movie offers an array of magnificent panoramic shots of Norwegian landscapes, encompassing rugged coastlines, shimmering fjords, snowy capped mountains, and infinite skies. These stunning scenes, combined with the hearty performances from the cast, provide the audience with a visceral experience of what it might feel like - physically and emotionally - to be an actor in such immersive conditions.

Heart of Lightness is not just a film about rehearsing a play; it's an exploration of the human soul. It is a story of conflicts and passions, of revealing one's layers under the unyielding gaze of the midnight sun, and about the struggle and the cost of creating meaningful art. The storyline, exceptional performances, stunning visuals, and deeply philosophical undertones together create an intense, immersive atmosphere that leaves one to ponder long after the movie has ended.

In conclusion, Heart of Lightness goes beyond being just an engaging drama; it is an adventurous exploration into the world of acting, a beautiful presentation of stunning Norwegian landscapes, and a deep dive into the human soul.