Reviews
Naqoyqatsi- life
as war
Adam Jahnke, The Digital
Bits, Digitalbits.com Aug. 26, 2002
Also this morning, our own Adam Jahnke just
had the chance to view a press screening of Godfrey Reggio's Naqoyqatsi.
Here's what he had to say about it: "OK, this is gonna be short
and sweet. If you're a fan of Koyaanisqatsi and Powaqqatsi (not
to mention Anima Mundi, the cute 'n' cuddly baby brother of the
Qatsi series), suffice it to say that Naqoyqatsi is in every sense
the movie you've been waiting 14 long years for.
If you think those are just elaborate typos instead of movie titles
up there, then you owe it to yourself to get on board and discover
three of the finest art films ever made. Naqoyqatsi is a Hopi word
that roughly translates as "war as a way of life" (and, by the way,
it's pronounced nah koy kahtsee). With the first two movies in the
Qatsi series, Godfrey Reggio examined the ongoing struggle between
man, nature, and technology. With Naqoyqatsi, it seems technology
has won... but we're not evolving fast enough to keep up with it.
In an intentionally ironic move, Reggio has used cutting-edge digital
technology to create the film (and believe me, the irony is not
lost on me that you're reading this little review on a computer
right now). The result is a transcendent, spellbinding movie unlike
anything you've seen before, including the first two Qatsi pictures.
Philip Glass's score (which features cello solos by Yo-Yo Ma) ranks
with the best work he's ever done, whether for film, opera or insane
multimedia event. Quite simply, this is one of those rare films
that literally makes you look at the world around you in a whole
new way. It's easily one of the best movies I've seen this year
and I encourage each and every one of you to check it out. It's
scheduled to open on October 18 in selected cities. As David Letterman
would say, I just pray your city has been selected."
Here's a link to the film's official website with more information
on potential screenings in your area. And don't forget that Koyaanisqatsi
and Powaqqatsi are being released on DVD by MGM on 9/17/02. Naqoyqatsi
will likely follow next year.
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