Review of Manufactured Landscapes (2006) by Alexander J — 24 Nov 2007
A torture to sit through - all you see is China, China, China and the way its landscapes are changed by the late industrial and capitalist revolution (behind a communist cover). Lots of repetitions, but - boy! - from the opening dolly shot in the factory that goes on for ages to the portraits of the towns being destroyed to make way for the gigantic Yiangtse Dam, it's a stunning experience.
Visually a treat as we follow Canadian photographers Edward Burtynsky through boomtown Shanghai and beyond. China is aiming at 70 percent urban and only 30 percent rural areas - think about the consequences.
A country overwhelmed by its own progress, a worthy portrait of a rapidly changing society, too. The one sequence at the Shanghai discotheque is candy for the eyes. Great work by Swiss-Canadian D.O.P.
Peter Mettler. Geniuses at work. Hard to bear, but worth a go.
This review of Manufactured Landscapes (2006) was written by Alexander J on 24 Nov 2007.
Manufactured Landscapes has generally received positive reviews.
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