In the Beginning There Was Light is a thought-provoking documentary that explores the phenomenon of breatharianism, the practice of living without food or water. The film features interviews with numerous breatharians who claim to have sustained themselves on prana, the life force energy that exists in the universe. The documentary is directed by P. A. Straubinger, who is also the narrator and lead investigator in the film. Straubinger is a skeptic of breatharianism, but he approaches the subject with an open mind and a desire to understand the motivations of those who practice it.
The film begins by introducing us to Helmut Grasser, an Austrian man who claims to have lived without food or water for over a year. We see Grasser in various stages of his journey, from his initial experiments with fasting to his attempts to spread the word about his experience. Grasser is a charismatic figure, and his conviction in his abilities is downright mesmerizing.
But the film doesn't just focus on Grasser. We also meet numerous other breatharians, from an Australian woman who believes that her ability to live without food is a gift from the universe to a German man who claims to have trained his body to produce water from thin air.
Through these interviews, the film delves into the multifaceted world of breatharianism. Some practitioners see it as a purely spiritual practice, a way of connecting with the universe and transcending the limitations of the physical world. Others view it as a means of healing the body of illness and disease. And still others see it as a way to reduce one's impact on the planet by consuming less.
The film doesn't shy away from the controversy surrounding breatharianism, especially in light of several high-profile deaths connected to the practice. But it also avoids sensationalizing the subject or resorting to easy answers. Instead, the film asks the viewer to grapple with the complex questions raised by breatharianism: Is it real, or is it a delusion? Is it dangerous, or is it a legitimate path to enlightenment?
One of the most interesting aspects of the film is its exploration of the science behind breatharianism. We see doctors and scientists attempting to understand how the human body can survive without food or water, and we learn about the various theories that have been put forward to explain the phenomenon. While the film doesn't definitively prove or disprove the claims of breatharians, it does provide a fascinating look at the research being done in this area.
Throughout the film, the viewer is kept engaged by the stunning visuals and haunting music. The film is beautifully shot, with sweeping vistas of mountains and forests that serve as a backdrop for the interviews. The music, composed by Markus Pöchinger, is ethereal and haunting, perfectly capturing the otherworldly nature of the subject matter.
In the Beginning There Was Light is a film that will appeal to anyone interested in spirituality, science, or the intricacies of the human mind and body. It is a challenging and thought-provoking work that will leave the viewer with more questions than answers. But that is precisely what makes the film so compelling: it refuses to provide easy answers or pat conclusions, instead encouraging the viewer to think deeply and explore further.
In the Beginning There Was Light is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
