I have many times featured films from the non-verbal genre on this site, including Godfrey Reggio’s Koyaanisqatsi from 1983, which was the first film in the genre.
The cinematographer on that film was Ron Fricke, and he went on to direct probably the second most influential of these films which was Baraka, made in 1992.
In many ways Fricke’s film is more thematic, seemingly focusing on tribal and especially ritualistic behaviour at the outset, which is later echoed in scenes of mechanised life.
The filming was made in 24 countries on six continents over a 14-month period, and features both time-lapse and show-motion, as well as normal photography.
The film has many memorable scenes in it, too many to list, and includes many scenes from monastic and ritualistic life of different kinds. It also features a wonderful score by Michael Stearns which always seems to capture the mood.
As films like this do not direct the viewer in such an overt way as verbal or narration films, viewers will have different experiences when they watch, and probably each time they watch.
For those who like these sorts of films there is a very good website called Spirit of Baraka, which updates on new releases in the genre, and has reviews and much information.
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