Chronos (1985)

Director:

Ron Fricke

Writers:

Constantine Nicholas (scenario)
Genevieve Nicholas (scenario)

Release Date:

1985 (USA)

Genre:

Documentary | Short

Plot Keywords:

Nature | One Word Title | Stained Glass | Ancient Art | Cathedral

Runtime:

43 min

Country:

Canada | USA

Language:

None

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.34 : 1

Sound Mix:

IMAX 6-Track

Certification:

Australasia:E

Filming Locations:

405 Freeway, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Les Productions de la Géode

Trivia:

Composer Michael Stearns used an instrument called the Beam to generate many of the sounds for this film, which is 12 feet long made of extruded aluminum with 24 piano strings from 19-22 gauge. The original instruments it was based upon were made from cast iron and difficult to move around.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Silicon Valley Timelapse (2008)

The Faster The Better

This is a 42-minute different kind of travelogue, showing various places around the world with no narration and, in some cases, speeded-up photography. In other cases - mainly the beginning - it's ultra-slow. To be honest, I like that fast-forward technique far more, such as where you see clouds and shadows moving by quickly. They move by landscapes, famous monuments and other building and even over art work. Other scenes area also run by quickly; usually when people are in the picture.

Later, the speed is accelerated even more. Now people are just a blur. Still later, it's done differently with stop-action-type motion. Filming locations mainly are in the Southwest United States, New York City, Egypt, France and Italy.

A few segments, such as those early ones in Egypt are way too slow but others are beautiful and fascinating. Some of these shots almost look computer-made, but they are real. The movie reminded me of "Koyaanisqati," but this is far better, in my opinion.

There is no dialog in this short film. I've seen this three times and enjoyed it each time, although by now I am bored by the slow scenes. My favorites are ultra-speedy traffic parts. If you are looking something different, check it out.