Koyaanisqatsi
If there is one film which absolutely deserves to be seen on the big screen with stereo surround sound, it is Godfrey Reggio’s remarkable Koyaanisqatsi. This is a totally unconventional film without plot, actors or dialogue, which mesmerises us with time-lapse and slow-motion photography of civilization and nature, presenting our familiar world from an otherworldly perspective. The powerful soundtrack by Philip Glass is as moving as the imagery, and quite integral to the spellbinding effect. Cinematography is by Ron Fricke, who did Baraka in the same style.
“Koyaanisqatsi” is a Hopi Indian word for “life out of balance”, and much of the film deals with not just the emergent beauty, but also the discordance of life in the modern world. This is a little overplayed, with not too subtle H-bomb detonations contrasting the many beautiful shots, nevertheless it is a moving and historically important film that you shouldn’t miss if you have an interest in cinema. Or in being entertained, even.
Originally released in 1983, the Nova is showing a new 35mm print, which really is the only way to experience it. I’ll give Leonard Maltin the last word on this: “So rich in beauty and detail that with each viewing it becomes a new and different film. Should be seen in a theatre for maximum impact.” What more could you want from a film?
Mike Garrett
