Koyaanisqatsi is an intriguing film to say the least. The lack of dialog and main characters was different from what might normally be expected in movies, but I found that this enabled the film to speak more broadly about humanity in general, rather than certain individuals. The music and video of the film was sufficient, and they were enough to make me slightly uneasy yet also engaged in the film. I was drawn into the film with the almost hypnotic dirge of the music, but by being drawn in, the film also has the power to make the viewers feel uneasy about their place in the world and their own impacts upon it. However, I would recommend this film, even though it is dense, to others because one viewing would be enough to leave an impact. I found myself thinking about the film throughout the day afterward, so it left a lasting impression, especially since the music was stuck in my head most of the day.

The film depicts the transition from and the difference between the old natural environment and the new technological environment. The film combines beautiful cinematography and an intense, repetitive score to show how life is out of balance. The beginning shows vast natural landscapes with rolling clouds, which transition into rolling waves of water. This shows the harmony between the natural forces which shape our world as the scenes flash between clouds and water. The camera then moves quickly through the area between, showing all the beauty of the natural environment. Then there are images of destruction, machines, power lines, power plants, dams, and more. The stark contrast of these things thrown onto the previously shown landscapes shows the direct and extensive intervention of mankind, utilizing the natural resources. Clouds are shown moving through the sky again, but this time as a reflection on a skyscraper, further emphasizing man’s dominating presence.

A long shot of a plane moving toward the camera captured my attention. It seems to represent the idea of this life out of balance, as it carries people where man is not meant to be naturally. Humans can’t fly and could not without the incredible technology of planes. Another interesting juxtaposition is when a shot of many cars lined up flashes to a shot of tanks lined up similarly. This made me think of the wars waged on other humans versus the constant war on the environment. Even while humans face wartime, the processes and technologies involved further propel the unnatural war on the environment.

The film captures the busy world of today with countless people moving through public spaces at rapid speeds. There are so many people and processes, like assembly lines, featured to show the sameness and monotony of this technological and crazy world. Humans have created much of their own fun and entertainment with games, movies, big cities, bowling, and more, as opposed to enjoying what exists naturally in the world around them. Sightseeing is an example of something that is more of a novelty than a genuine appreciation of the (often man made) sights. Many of the passersby in the film do not appear all that happy or satisfied as they go about their days. The juxtaposition of shots and associational editing of a computer panel and a city planning grid show how precisely planned and technology-based societies are now. The film seems to encourage people to slow down, simplify, and appreciate things in life. If more people did this, more thought would go into people’s actions and projects and impacts on the surrounding world.