In the present (1980s), a retired diplomat has begun writing a historical novel about a gentleman known as Captain Meitanos, who strode around the Mediterranean in the 17th century. The diplomat has collected many stories and documents about his hero and has just tracked down part of his story to a monastery which boasts an icon of Saint Serafim. However, the icon is missing one of the figures who should appear in it. Clearly further research is needed. The film then goes to the 17th century, when the icon painter Valos meets a lovely slave woman who closely resembles Captain Meitanos' lover, whom he knows. Once again in the 20th century, the diplomat has been wandering in the woods while suffering from a fever. He comes across the missing part of the painting in a cave but thinks he may be having a fever-induced hallucination. Other stories from the monks' perspective show that the historical "reality" being sought is an elusive illusion.
by Clarke Fountain
synopsis
