Review of Powaqqatsi (1988) by James S — 25 Jul 2008
Overall, not as enthralling or viscerally impactful as Koyaanisqatsi, but still a helluva wallop. The interplay between image and sound is much less abstract than in Koyaanisqatsi, with Philip Glass making use of a variety of world instruments, and director Godfrey Reggio focusing much more on the small scale of everyday human experience.
Even though I find this the weakest of the three Qatsi films (I used to favor Koyaanisqatsi, but Naqoyqatsi is slowly winning out), it still has many sequences of incredible power. I had the good fortune to see Powaqqatsi live at Prospect Park in Brooklyn, with Philip Glass, his ensemble, and the Brooklyn Childrens Choir performing the score live.
Reggio was also in attendance. Five years ago, I saw Glass and his ensemble do the same for Koyaanisqatsi. Two down, one to go :).
This review of Powaqqatsi (1988) was written by James S on 25 Jul 2008.
Powaqqatsi has generally received very positive reviews.
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