Why no photo? Well, if Interpol, The FBI, The CIA, MI5 and the Jehovas Witnesses were to see me, al...
Why no photo? Well, if Interpol, The FBI, The CIA, MI5 and the Jehovas Witnesses were to see me, all would be doomed.
After proliferating the Great Changing Monkey of Versailles incident, I have been on the run from the authorities. French Dictato...
Member since:06.02.2001
Reviews:48
Members who trust:9
KOYAANISQATSI - the word that the Hopi Indians use to describe "Life out of Balance" - beautiful.
I caught this film on Film 4 last night, after years of trying to watch it, but never getting round to it. I say film, but it is more of a wordless documentary - brilliantly fusing Godfrey Reggio's sumptious visuals with a never more perfect score from minimalist composer Philip Glass.
Koyaanisqatsi begins with vistas of native American Indian nature, the Grand Canyon etc., the sprawling wonderments of nature that were untouched by progress for aeons. The soundtrack chants "Koyaanisqatsi" at us, keeping us intrigued in the time-lapse footage as clouds and thunderstorms swarms by, as day turns to night and then back to day. We see an unspoiled earth, a wonderful place where nature is king.
Slowly at first, Reggio begins to bring in the seeds of progress, and before long we are looking at power plants in the middle of beautiful deserts, then construction equipment, cars, freeways, cities - on it rolls.
From humble organic beginnings we see the complete opposite, totally manmade artificial surroundings - huge sky scrapers, street lights, cars - everything contrasting that which we saw earlier.
Koyaanisqatsi is an environmental film without a plot - moreseo it delivers a message that doesn't preach but certainly makes you think.
This film will not be for everyone, as it has no plot, no characters, and no dialogue. Also, Philip Glass is not for everyone, and whilst for me the soundtrack worked perfectly, it's style is somewhat dated and could annoy.
If you want to see stunning visuals with a purpose, that will make you think and see the contrasts between nature and progress, give Koyaanisqatsi a try.
A film that is as beautiful as the word that is its title.
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It is very similar to Microcosmos - but of course pre dates it by about 15 years.
Plissken 13.03.2001 11:35
Good review, although I'll probably skip it...last time I watched a film like that was 'Microcosmos', and I had to walk out after an hour of insects walking around to music. See you around! Plissken.
aitchison21 13.03.2001 11:35
Sounds fascinating. your review has intrigued me now, thanks for the great op.
Godfrey Reggio'sKoyaanisqatsi("life out of balance") andPowaqqatsi("life in ... more
transformation") are the first two parts of a trilogy of experimental documentaries whose titles derive from Hopi compound nouns (2002'sNaqoyqatsi, or "life in war", is the thi...
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Godfrey Reggio'sKoyaanisqatsi("life out of balance") andPowaqqatsi("life in ... more
transformation") are the first two parts of a trilogy of experimental documentaries whose titles derive from Hopi compound nouns (2002'sNaqoyqatsi, or "life in war", is the thi...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Prepare for the ultimate DVD experience. Technically dazzling photographic effects ... more
superb cinematography and stirring musical scores combine to create two of the most extraordinary and breathtaking films in recent years. Influencing untold pop promo...
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KoyaanisqatsiPrepare to experience a truly remarkable film - a cinematic masterpiece so ... more
extraordinary that it regales the senses, stimulates the mind and actually redefines the potential of filmmaking. Celebrated director Godfrey Reggio, innovative cin...