A forgotten film need not be limited to something old, especially when the film didn’t even play on the big screen in Eugene. “Naqoyqatsi,” which ran theatrically in 2002 but missed the Emerald City, has recently been released on video.
This is the third film of Godfrey Reggio’s “-qatsi” series, so named after words from the Hopi language. “Koyaanisqatsi,” released in 1983, translates to “life out of balance.” “Powaqqatsi,” released in 1988, translates to “life in transformation.” And finally, with “Naqoyqatsi,” we have, “life as war,” or “war as a way of life.” The producers add their own interpretation of this word, which is “civilized violence.”
The word “tone poem” is frequently used to describe this style of film, arguably pioneered (or at least popularized) by director Reggio. Each is a series of filmed images delivered to a sweeping orchestral score by Philip Glass.
While the titles describe the narrative theme of each of the films, the tag line for “Naqoyqatsi” is somewhat misleading, because it disguises the multiple meanings the film contains. Yes, images of war are prevalent, but these are also paralleled with those of technology, biology, industry and modernization. Obviously, the connection here is that these two are inextricably linked. What might not be so obvious is how humans have increasingly come to reflect their own creations — that this drive toward war and civilization is ultimately dehumanizing, alienating and out of balance with sustainable living.
Of course, this might be assuming too much. Since “Naqoyqatsi” is entirely image and music-driven and completely lacks dialogue, there is space for a viewer to make his or her own interpretations regarding what exactly the film is “about.” This is not to say the content is totally subjective, either. Roger Ebert, reviewing the film Oct. 25, 2002, said the following of the series of films: “They’re ritualistic grief at what man has done to the planet.” Ebert is partly correct. However, his words seem to label Reggio’s films as overtly pessimistic and fails to grasp the possibility that the film might provoke change. The path of humanity is not set, after all. The “qatsi” series of films are a reflection of life and its evolution, as if the filmmaker’s ideas were trying to hold up a mirror for all of us to see. That is, if anyone cares to look.
Where image manipulation techniques were used in the first two films — for example, film was accelerated or slowed down, or a series of quick cuts would be employed — “Naqoyqatsi” distinguishes itself by being the first to employ extensive digital manipulation of the film imagery. Nearly everything is filtered or computer-generated. Digitized computer models enter and walk a Hollywood red carpet; Earth is shown as one big computer; and the camera dives into endless fractals, a digital wormhole and warps through space like something out of “Star Trek.” One of the most breathtaking scenes shows famous paintings, one after another, melting into each other. As the film progresses, it seems to go faster and faster, matching the themes quite nicely.
Finally, not enough can be said about Glass’ magnificent scoring. His music is ineluctably linked to all 89 minutes of the film, and seems to help provide the aforementioned requiem for change. Glass’ role as composer should not be underestimated. In the panel discussion with the filmmakers included on the extras of the DVD, it becomes clear how instrumental (pun intended) a role he has in the creation of these movies. This time Glass’ orchestra is aided by the cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Ma’s cello mastery is virtually undeniable, and adds a melancholic tinge to the progression of the film.
On the DVD, the filmmakers claim this series of films was never intended to be a trilogy. Contrary to others, who feel the idea is tired, or a relic of the past, there is still room for further exploration. Fourteen years passed between the second and third film, so why not make another even if it takes another 14 more? “Naqoyqatsi” is a film that is both alive and vibrant. Watch it with friends, and watch it on DVD, with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound to get the most out of your viewing experience.