Koyaanisqatsi (1982)

A collection of expertly photographed phenomena with no conventional plot. The footage focuses on nature, humanity and the relationship between them.

Director:

Godfrey Reggio

Writers:

Ron Fricke (scenario), Godfrey Reggio (scenario)

Stars:

Edward Asner, Pat Benatar, Jerry Brown

6 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Uncredited cast:
Edward Asner	...	Self - On TV (archive footage) (uncredited)
Pat Benatar	...	Self - On TV (archive footage) (uncredited)
Jerry Brown	...	Self - On TV (archive footage) (uncredited)
Johnny Carson	...	Self - On TV (archive footage) (uncredited)
Dick Cavett	...	Self - On TV (archive footage) (uncredited)
Marilyn Chambers	...	Self - On TV (archive footage) (uncredited)
Sammy Davis Jr.	...	Self - On TV (archive footage) (uncredited)
Lou Dobbs	...	Self - On TV (archive footage) (uncredited)
Thomas Dolby	...	Self - On TV (archive footage) (uncredited)
Linda Ellerbee	...	Self - On TV (archive footage) (uncredited)
Jerry Falwell	...	Self - On TV (archive footage) (uncredited)
Mark J. Goodman	...	Self - On TV (archive footage) (uncredited)
Ted Koppel	...	Self - On TV (archive footage) (uncredited)
Peter Sellers	...	Self - On TV (archive footage) (uncredited)
Bill Tush	...	Self - On TV (archive footage) (uncredited)

Storyline

This experimental film looks at the world and more specifically the effect man has had on the landscape and the environment. Without narration, the film shows the world in a pristine condition and untouched: blue skies, beautiful landscapes and endless vistas. The man-made world is much less appealing. Essentially a montage using a variety of film techniques to provide a visually stunning montage of images.

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Plot Keywords:

time lapse photography | experimental film | demolition | building | non narrative | 

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Taglines:

October 4, 1982. More than 5,000 people filled the sold out Radio City Music Hall to experience a remarkable film event. That event was the world premiere of KOYAANISQATSI. Now everyone can share the power of that experience.

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Genres:

Documentary | Music

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Included among the "1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die", edited by Steven Schneider.

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Goofs

About an hour into the movie, the camera operator is reflected in the elevator's glass window as the elevator passes "between" floors while shooting the escalators.

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Quotes

title card: ko-yaa-nis-qatsi
[from the Hopi language]
title card: n. 1. crazy life. 2. life in turmoil. 3. life out of balance. 4. life disintegrating. 5. a state of life that calls for another way of living.

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Crazy Credits

Prior to end credits translation of the title and Hopi prophecies heard in the film are given.

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Connections

Referenced in The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

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Soundtracks

Prophecies
Written by Philip Glass

User Reviews

Breathtaking

Make no mistake -- you need to get into the right mood to properly enjoy this film. Try watching it with your cynical or populist friends and they'll pour scorn upon it. Don't try to convince others to 'get it' as they won't.

The best thing to do is to turn off all of the lights, pump up the sound and absorb yourself in the spectacle that unfolds on the screen. If you do this, you'll experience one of the most breathtaking, moving and exciting pieces of art ever. There are few films that reach these heights -- 2001: A Space Odyssey is the only one that instantly comes to mind.

Don't analyse it until it's finished. Talking through it will ruin it. I've found that the film works best on an emotional level so switch your brain off and just watch and listen. By the time it's finished, you'll feel like you've been on an exhausting and exhilarating journey that you'll want to take again not long afterwards.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Qatsi Trilogy site

Country:

USA

Language:

None Hopi English

Release Date:

24 August 1983 (France)

Also Known As:

Koyaanisqatsi: Life Out of Balance

Filming Locations:

Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$1,723,872

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,723,872

Company Credits

Production Co:

American Zoetrope, IRE Productions, Santa Fe Institute for Regional Education

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1