Koyaanisqatsi
Classic documentary that shows the devastating impact of human production and consumption on Mother Earth.
KOYAANISQATSI, a Hopi Indian term for ‘life out of balance’, was hugely successful upon its release in the 1980s. These were the years of the Cold War, purple rain, political repression and thus a general sense of impending doom. Godfrey Reggio’s documentary perfectly appealed to this sentiment. At points, KOYAANISQATSI shows the world in a pristine and untouched condition: blue skies, endless vistas, impressive landscapes, everything in harmony. The man-made world, commuters running around like rats in a metropolis for example, is much less appealing. One gets the feeling mankind is nearing an abyss.
This first work of the Qatsi trilogy wordlessly surveys the rapidly changing environments of the modern world via an astonishing collage of clips. Of crucial importance is Philip Glass’ soundtrack, which if anything heightens the sense of doom and friction so perfectly created by Reggio’s perplexing montage. His repetitive synth chords are in perfect harmony with images of humankind repeating its own actions over and over, like a hamster running on a treadmill. (wg)