Tesla: Master of Lightning

Tesla: Master of Lightning is a fascinating and well-made documentary film released in 2000, which pays homage to the life and accomplishments of the unheralded genius, Nikola Tesla. Presented by PBS, the documentary seamlessly intertwines archival footage, interviews with historians, scientists, and engineers with dramatic re-enactments. The film's vibrant narrative brings to life Tesla's inventions, personal life, and his profound impact on the world.

To further imbue authenticity to the characters, Tesla is aptly portrayed by Serbian actor, Petar Bozovic, while the esteemed actor, Stacy Keach, known for his powerful performances, richly narrates the film providing all the necessary historical context and detailed analysis. Elisabeth Noone appears as Katharine Johnson, a friend, and confidante of Tesla, adding a personal touch to the otherwise scientifically driven narrative.

The film begins with Tesla's humble beginnings in Smiljan, Croatia, showing his early fascination with engineering and electricity, even during his time as a seminary school student. It then explores his move to America, where he started working for Thomas Edison, thus beginning a professional relationship that would ultimately turn into a bitter rivalry.

Tesla: Master of Lightning vividly sheds light on the 'Current War', laced with fierce competition and flamboyant showmanship, Tesla's pioneering role in developing alternating current (AC) is powerfully contrasted against Edison's direct current (DC) system. The film, through meticulous archival research and expert interviews, is able to underline how this fundamental breakthrough had revolutionary implications for long-distance electricity transmission.

The documentary also takes care to highlight Tesla's eccentricities; his intense fear of germs, obsession with pigeons, and recurring problems with financiers but does so in a way that humanizes rather than mocks him. In addition to illustrating Tesla's genius, the film provides a window into his personal life, showcasing his friendships, hardships, and the isolation he experienced towards the end of his life.

The invention of the "Tesla Coil," one of Tesla's most well-known innovations, is also explored in the film. Its significance in the field of electrical engineering and its application in modern technology is expertly expressed through computer-animated sequences, making it accessible for viewers without a technical background.

The movie is also an engaging journey through Tesla’s vision for a world powered by free energy, a concept that he was incredibly passionate about, but could never realize due to lack of support and resources. His idea of transmission of wireless energy, chiefly to create universal free energy, stands as a testament to his exceptional foresight.

While the film uncovers the groundbreaking inventions that Tesla engineered, it also poignantly delves into his financial struggles and his ultimate descent into relative obscurity. Despite his enormous contributions, the documentary shows how Tesla died penniless in a hotel room, in stark contrast to the high-rolling lifestyle of his early years in New York.

'Tesla: Master of Lightning's' endearing quality lies in its well-balanced script and non-selective narrative. It chronicles Tesla's journey, taking viewers from the highest points of his life, including his triumphant demonstrations of AC power at the Chicago World's Fair, to the lowest points, such as the devastating fire in his lab that wiped out years of work and research.

In essence, 'Tesla: Master of Lightning' is not just a mere biographical account of an extraordinary inventor; it also serves as an inspiring tale that underscores the importance of perseverance in the face of odds. This captivating and insightful cinematic tribute is a must-watch for anyone fascinated by the history of science, engineering, and the extraordinary life of one of history's most brilliant, but often forgotten, inventors.