Koyaanisqatsi (1983), directed by Godfrey Reggio, is a very unique motion picture experience. With only one spoken word in the entire movie, it is practically a silent film. Because of this, the viewers are forced to step out of their usual movie-watching comfort zones. Dialogue is a main driving force in the plot of most movies, so a movie without words, such as Koyaanisqatsi, is subject to much more personal interpretation and must therefore be watched more closely.
Movies driven by narrative are generally easy to follow because what is happening is being described as well as shown, so movies lacking the explanation narrative brings must be watched more attentively. To fully understand Koyaanisqatsi, the viewers must keep their eyes on the screen at all times. If they do not, they could miss key images that explain the film’s point. Because of this, the film may seem unappealing to some. Dialogue makes a movie a significantly simpler source of entertainment. Without it, viewers must think on their own instead of relying on dialogue to explain the plot, argument, or theme.
Because Koyaanisqatsi forces viewers to think on their own, it can be interpreted in many ways. My personal interpretation of the movie was that it showed how technology is taking over nature. Personally, I think the movie showed technology in a negative light because it was significantly less beautiful than the images of nature. The man-made structures looked gloomy and oppressive, while the canyons, oceans, and clouds looked freeing and magnificent. Of course, the movie could be seen as the complete opposite. Some could say that the movie is celebrating technological advancement because it allows humans to live much more efficiently. Many scenes do show the effectiveness of artificial machines and structures, such as scenes portraying factories and highways. The use of sped-up images exaggerates this efficiency even more. However, I believe this very exaggeration is what swings the argument in the other direction. It shows that technology has, in a sense, stopped humans from enjoying life to the fullest because we are rushing through it.
Koyaanisqatsi is a different approach to movies that many people will not appreciate simply because it is not what they are used to. It has the potential to confuse viewers who do not realize that this movie must be watched differently from narratives. By paying careful attention to the visuals, one can form his or her own opinion on the movie’s story. People who remember the silent movie era or still enjoy watching silent films will certainly appreciate this movie and understand exactly how it must be viewed. If one keeps an open mind and watches closely, Koyaanisqatsi can prove to be an enriching and entertaining experience.
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