Koyaanisqatsi (1983)

Set to the hauntingly evocative music of Phillip Glass, Koyaanisqatsi is an extraordinary visual concert that transcends traditional narrative boundaries. This visual symphony unfolds with the mysterious aura of ancient Native American cave drawings, the soundtrack resonating with the chants of "Koyaanisqatsi," a Hopi term translating to "life out of balance." This unconventional masterpiece employs the power of time-lapse and slow-motion photography to explore the diverse facets of physical motion. Cloud formations, accelerated in their passage, are juxtaposed with the hypnotic dance of ocean waves, slowed to enhance their mesmerizing beauty. These comparisons serve as a prism, refracting the captivating similarities of movement in nature's forces and illuminating our understanding of the world around us. As the film progresses, it transitions from untouched natural landscapes bathed in the ethereal light of blue skies to the stark reality of nature manipulated by human hands. The final act of this visual odyssey unfolds in the man-made world, a realm starkly devoid of nature. Yet, even in this artificial environment, the echoes of natural flow persist, albeit shrouded in chaos and disarray. Koyaanisqatsi is an experimental journey that uses a montage of stunning visuals to explore the impact of humanity on the environment. The pristine beauty of untouched landscapes is contrasted with the less appealing man-made world, creating a compelling narrative that echoes the film's core message: a call for a new way of living in a world teetering on the edge of imbalance. This film is a poignant exploration of life in turmoil, life disintegrating, a crazy life, a life that is Koyaanisqatsi.

Koyaanisqatsi is a documentary movie featuring Lou Dobbs and directed by Godfrey Reggio.

Koyaanisqatsi is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Freevee, Kanopy and Pluto TV.

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