The End Of Time

The End of Time, is an intriguing and thought-provoking 2012 film presented by acclaimed filmmaker and cinematographer Peter Mettler. The movie navigates through mesmerising cinematography, philosophical dialogues, and experimental narrative styles, taking its audience on a surreal voyage across the multifaceted concept of time.

Peter Mettler, known for his intuitive and avant-garde approach, shines a spotlight on one of mankind's most enduring and convoluted mysteries – the concept of time. A philosophical exploration rather than a standard linear narrative, the film embarks on a global odyssey, through which it attempts to unravel the complex nature, science, and philosophical ideas about time. The film features important contributions from physicist Freya Blekman and musician Richie Hawtin, adding layers of depth and perspective to this abstract journey.

The End of Time reaches out to various global locations, each chosen to display different aspects and perceptions of time. This includes the environs of CERN's Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland where elite scientists are attempting to recreate the Big Bang; the lava fields of Hawaii, which represent geological eras and the transition of time; the post-industrial landscape of Detroit, indicating the impact of socio-economic progress and decay over time, and the tranquil expanses of India's Buddhist Bodh Gaya with timeless spiritual traditions.

In the vast chasms of the Large Hadron Collider, the movie takes the audience to the brink of human knowledge, where scientists are exploring the Big Bang's origins by studying subatomic particles. Freya Blekman, a genuine physicist, provides an exclusive perspective on the endeavour, painting a compelling picture of human attempts to grasp the intangible concept, the inception of time itself.

Meandering through the claustrophobic man-made tunnels of the Collider to the all-embracing discotheques of Detroit, where time dilates in the throbbing pulse of techno music, the film reveals an unheard symphony of time perceptions. The participation of Richie Hawtin, a renowned musician, further amplifies the connection between time, rhythm, and music.

Transcending man-made structures and music, the journey of The End of Time takes us to the untouched expanses of Hawaii. Here, Mettler presents the passage of geological time through the slow and relentless progress of lava fields, creating a remarkable tableau of time on an earthly scale. The film reminds viewers of the grandeur of Mother Nature, who works at her pace, overseeing aeons of time.

From the manifests of the material world, the film sways into the spiritual realm at Bodh Gaya, where the view on time takes another fascinating turn. The monastic routines and meditation practices, which emphasise the importance of the present moment, present a starkly contrasting perspective of time from its portrayal in scientific or material contexts.

The film delicately weaves these different strands together, using a mix of high-quality visuals, subtle narration and a compelling soundscape. Coupled with Mettler's distinctive storytelling technique, it strikes a balance between a documentary and a poetic reflection on the metaphysics of time. The End of Time fosters an appreciation for the vastness of the universe, the intricacy of scientific research, the rhythm of nature, along with the profundity of spiritual wisdom, while centring the discussion around the experience of time.

In its essence, The End of Time is a meditative, cinematic contemplation that challenges conventional notions of time, raising intriguing questions without seeking to provide absolute answers. It forms a captivating dialogue between science, spirituality, nature, and social constructs about one of the most elusive concepts in human existence – time.

The artwork may not cater to everyone's taste, given its experimental structure and the profound nature of the content. But for those who enjoy delving into more profound questions and discussions about human existence and the nature of reality, the film could be a must-watch.

With The End of Time, Peter Mettler successfully takes viewers on a visual and intellectual journey, unlike any other, exploring the edges of human perception and the limits of understanding. The film invites its audience to think, to dwell, and perhaps, to perceive time with a fresh perspective.