Lightning Over Water is a penetrating documentary of the last days of cult film director
Nicholas Ray. The film was lovingly assembled by
Wim Wenders, whose idolatry of Ray is obvious in virtually every frame of his own work. Dying slowly of cancer, Ray reflects on a lifetime of accomplishments, failures and compromises, with plenty of screen time given over to his reminiscences of
Joan Crawford,
James Dean and others who appeared in his films. Most of the film was lensed in Ray's modest New York City loft, a sharp and poignant contrast to the comparative luxury of his Hollywood years. Lightning Over Water has also been released as
Nick's Film. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide