The Book of Vision Opens Venice Critics' Week with Mixed Reception

Carlo S. Hintermann's film 'The Book of Vision' opened the 77th Venice International Film Critics' Week (Settimana Internazionale della Critica) out of competition. The film, co-written with Marco Saura, stars Charles Dance and Lotte Verbeek, with executive production by Terrence Malick and cinematography by Joerg Widmer. LRNZ designed the poster and supervised visual effects. The narrative follows Eva, a woman who travels through time via a book, rediscovering pre-scientific medicine through the memories of 18th-century Prussian doctor Johan Anmuth. Despite ambitious metacinematic and philosophical themes, critic Carlotta Petracci argues the film remains superficial in both speculative and dramatic aspects, failing to develop its protagonist or engage the viewer. Hintermann cited influences including 'Barry Lyndon,' 'The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen,' 'The Goonies,' 'Labyrinth,' 'The NeverEnding Story,' 'Back to the Future,' and 'The Knick.' The review notes the film's visual virtuosity but criticizes its lack of narrative cohesion and emotional impact.