On the 5th anniversary of the fire
When the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris became the scene of a devastating fire on April 15, 2019, the whole world watched. 3 years later, a feature film about the major fire was released. “Notre-Dame in Flames” can be seen on linear television this evening from 10:15 p.m. – on the fifth anniversary of the fire disaster – and will then be available for a month in the ZDF media library.
The feature film “Notre-Dame in Flames” is about the devastating fire at the Paris Cathedral. ZDF is showing the French production tonight from 10:15 p.m. on linear TV and then in the media library for a month. Photo: ZDF/Nathan Houée
Classic fictional disaster films usually follow a common script pattern: an ideal, unsuspecting world, introduction of the protagonists, sudden disaster and finally a mostly heroic rescue operation. Filming a real-life accident is much more difficult. After all, the facts are often documented in great detail, and the quality of the film is measured by its authenticity. In the case of the Notre Dame fire, this was particularly true – especially in France. The Gothic building is considered one of Paris’ landmarks. It has enormous symbolic meaning for many French people and is known worldwide, not least because of the relics and works of art there. And: People around the world witnessed the fire on April 15, 2019, during Europe’s prime evening broadcast time. Television cameras broadcast live, high-resolution smartphone images and videos showed a complete spectrum of events from all possible perspectives.
Our deputy editor-in-chief Michael Klöpper has seen the film: “To put it bluntly: The film doesn’t need to hide from major Hollywood productions – which is primarily due to the excellent visual effects (VFX) and the impressive soundtrack. The VFX blend between numerous eyewitness videos. Incorporating the real cell phone and message images is a clever move. Most viewers experience the film partly from the same perspective that was presented to them on the evening of the accident. In most cases it is difficult to distinguish between reality and digital and special effects production.
Only around 15 minutes pass in the film until the fire breaks out. It quickly becomes clear that the script only corresponds to the conventional disaster film genre to a very limited extent. There are no classic victims. And the role of the heroes is also shared among many actors, although the greatest part of the pathos is dedicated to the fire department. Nevertheless, it is not a fire department film. The common thread is the fire itself.
The first few minutes cleverly play with the still unsolved question of the cause of the fire: Was it a burning cigarette in the area of a work scaffolding around the roof turret (tower) of the cathedral, which later collapsed? Or a short circuit in the electrical system? In addition, even inexperienced spectators realize how difficult it is to ensure fire protection in such a property. At the same time, an enormous curve of tension arises – even though it is known that a fire will break out. ‘Notre Dame in Flames’ is an impressive and worthy film memorial to a catastrophe. In any case, it provides exciting entertainment.”
“Notre-Dame in Flames (Original: Notre-Dame brûle), France, 2022. Running time: 1 hour and 50 minutes. Here available in the ZDF media library until May 15, 2024.
Tags: fire brigade series