Das dunkle Gen

The film tells a very personal story from two perspectives: Frank S. is both doctor and patient. As a patient, he struggles with recurring depressions, as a doctor he wants to find out why. The search for the origins of his illness leads him into the realm of his own genes and casts light on the fundamental changes facing modern society as a result of the tremendous progress being made in the field of genetic sequencing. Along the way, he meets people –researchers, artists, visionaries– who have developed their own individual approach to genetic coding. The film does not restrict itself to a scientific view of the subject but also makes use of artistic visions and playful approaches to genetic blueprints. These varied perspectives challenge the apparent pre-determination of genetics and provide a reassuring view of the uniqueness of life. (Berlinale)