Powaqqatsi (1988)
Country: US
Technical: col 97m
Director: Godfrey Reggio
Cast: doc.
Synopsis:
A critical look at the way the developing world is exploited by the west for its productivity and natural resources, set to the music of Philip Glass.
Review:
Follow-up to Koyaanisqatsi; even more self-indulgent in terms of shot length than that film, it effectively charts the degradation of the Third World from the religion and work ethic to a crude imitation of the western culture it sees impinging on all sides. Dirt and confusion ensue. Reggio also shows, Desmond Morris-like, the consistency in Man's mannerisms (dancing, looking) and in the way he constructs his habitat (aerial shots of geometrical agriculture and skyscrapers). He employs similar techniques to before - under and over-cranking, montage and shallow focus - with the addition of double exposure. The cinematography is even more impressive, with units being despatched to Peru, Brazil, Kenya, Egypt, India, Nepal, etc., but there is less of a clear delineation between segments, where Glass's music peaks and recommences: here we just seem to start over with more of the same.
Country: US
Technical: col 97m
Director: Godfrey Reggio
Cast: doc.
Synopsis:
A critical look at the way the developing world is exploited by the west for its productivity and natural resources, set to the music of Philip Glass.
Review:
Follow-up to Koyaanisqatsi; even more self-indulgent in terms of shot length than that film, it effectively charts the degradation of the Third World from the religion and work ethic to a crude imitation of the western culture it sees impinging on all sides. Dirt and confusion ensue. Reggio also shows, Desmond Morris-like, the consistency in Man's mannerisms (dancing, looking) and in the way he constructs his habitat (aerial shots of geometrical agriculture and skyscrapers). He employs similar techniques to before - under and over-cranking, montage and shallow focus - with the addition of double exposure. The cinematography is even more impressive, with units being despatched to Peru, Brazil, Kenya, Egypt, India, Nepal, etc., but there is less of a clear delineation between segments, where Glass's music peaks and recommences: here we just seem to start over with more of the same.
Country: US
Technical: col 97m
Director: Godfrey Reggio
Cast: doc.
Synopsis:
A critical look at the way the developing world is exploited by the west for its productivity and natural resources, set to the music of Philip Glass.
Review:
Follow-up to Koyaanisqatsi; even more self-indulgent in terms of shot length than that film, it effectively charts the degradation of the Third World from the religion and work ethic to a crude imitation of the western culture it sees impinging on all sides. Dirt and confusion ensue. Reggio also shows, Desmond Morris-like, the consistency in Man's mannerisms (dancing, looking) and in the way he constructs his habitat (aerial shots of geometrical agriculture and skyscrapers). He employs similar techniques to before - under and over-cranking, montage and shallow focus - with the addition of double exposure. The cinematography is even more impressive, with units being despatched to Peru, Brazil, Kenya, Egypt, India, Nepal, etc., but there is less of a clear delineation between segments, where Glass's music peaks and recommences: here we just seem to start over with more of the same.