The Enduring Magnetism of Koyaanisqatsi

[@purplepimple2610]

Oh that was so awesome. I drove 2 hours with a vcr to rent a copy and another vcr to make a copy in a motel

[@lou1958]

LOL, since watching it in the '80s, it still consumes bandwidth in my brain as well. I still listen to it in my work commute almost every day. We live in a strange and interesting machine.

[@DataLal]

This might be one of the best video essays on KZbin. Well done!

[@thethingaboutthething]

Wow, thank you for the kind words!

[@salink212]

I agree! This essay is one of the best I have ever seen.

[@letylove]

I first watched Koyaanisqatsi here on KZbin last year or so, it came up in my suggestions. I’m forever grateful that it did. I think I think about this film every day and just want to find more people to talk about it with. So happy to see your review on it. I also appreciate how Reggio seems to be getting more adamant about questioning the technological agenda in every interview since. By the way, KZbin put the film behind a pay wall last I checked.

[@kenlefebvre8206]

“Like a Chrome tab I can never close”, this soundtrack, and the film, has been haunting me since 2009. It slips in and out of my thought throughout the day. Thank you for finally putting some of these thoughts into words

[@jeffwatkins352]

Excellent in every regard. It ought to be on the DVDs. Much as I love Glass's music (have recordings of most of it, which is saying something), this score remains my favorite, Akhnaten next.

[@hannahpumpkins4359]

I saw it when it came out in theaters, and then live in 1987 (Glass and his ensemble performed the score to the film, which was played behind them). It was unreal! I also saw Glass a few times when he gave various presentations on how he composes music, and I have an autographed Koyaanisqatsi poster that I got from him.

[@martinjohnston6685]

i first watched this in 1987 and its stuck with me ever since , the warbling voice on the soundtrack is haunting .thank you for a great explanation of this marvelous film.

[@TheUrbanCollectiveWeFilmIt]

Thoroughly enjoyed this so thank you. I believe Koyaanisqatsi is a warning but also a blessing. My favourite piece of sound and vision ever and every time I see it I perceive it in a different way...

[@thethingaboutthething]

Thank you for the kind words, I’m glad you enjoyed it! And yes, I agree. It’s a marvellous thing to experience while simultaneously being quite foreboding.

[@antonystringfellow5152]

I've watched this film many times. Each time, I've perceived it differently too. Never contrasting but as though I see a little more with each viewing.

[@higginscountyhi]

“Bandwidth in the back of my brain” is now taking up bandwidth in the back of my brain.

[@Zawiedek]

I'm very happy you are as fascinated about this movie today as I was 25 years ago.

[@thethingaboutthething]

It endures!

[@kevinivers]

More episodes in this show, please.

[@donrayjay]

Excellent, I never knew about the Hopi delegation. I’d have preferred more about Philip Glass, but this was excellent

[@ruimanel3199]

Incredible essay. To the point. Koyaanisqatsi can be said to be relevant at all times, it was 1983, in 1997, 2003, 2016, 2020 or now 2023. The world we live in is beyond salvation at this point. I am greatful that at least one of us understood that and made a work of art with it. The more I watch this movie, the more I realize that it's incomparable.

[@luispineda4466]

I have faith in the young, 90% are gone. That 10% are hope.

[@jackiechan8840]

Great film. Baraka and Samsara also very good. Shame you have not done a follow up video. This was excellent.

[@linus7809]

My first time watching the movie was backwards without knowing it, wouldn't have wanted it any other way, the meaning it conveys that way really goes deep

[@tylerfeichthaler3790]

Same here, I think it made the rocket launch scene far more impactful

[@bializm5420]

I am speechless. Thank you so much for this amazing essay, wow

[@AlistairArbour-qi3xp]

Bro you really hit the nail on the head. ty for taking the time to review thus masterpiece. I agree with your views 👏. Well done with a couple of tweaks your great production could yield a lot more views. just a suggestion

[@spijkerpoes]

I has a profound sad

[@benmarlow9339]

Thank you Adam. I enjoyed your perspicacity. A beautiful movie which, I feel, echoes the sadness, hollowness, and anger that I and so many others feel in this life out of balance.

[@thethingaboutthething]

Thank you for watching! I appreciate it and definitely agree with you.

[@themcrob]

Amazing analysis. Koyaanisqatsi never fails to make me tear up. Whether that’s from the existential dread it causes or the sheer beauty of the film depends on the viewing.

[@siubhan2047]

Yesterday while watching a completely unrelated video on KZbin about a completely different topic, the first part of the first piece of music was used in the video and it struck something in me. So after a bit of looking around I discovered the music, not knowing anything about it. After listening to the album several times I discovered the film. It is extremely rare for me to experience something completely alien to anything I have experienced before and I cannot even begin to explain the trip this sent me on.

[@Awesmediocrity]

Hey Adam. No idea what you're up to now, but I do hope you make more videos. I just finished (re)watching Koyaanisqatsi and watching/listening to other peoples thoughts on films is always nice after I watch something. I think your perspective is interesting and that I would love to see more The Thing About The Thing

[@mikecrisafulli8970]

This movie and soundtrack both captivated and haunted me when I first saw it back in 1982 and still do to this day. Great job on reviewing it.

[@alexcooper94]

I thought I had a good grasp of this film until watching your video. Sheds new light on many perspectives I hadn’t considered before

[@thethingaboutthething]

I'm glad you got something out of the video!

[@rayhill5767]

Philip Glass & it teaches you how to see That is what changes you You see differently afterwards Only some Warner Hartzog documentaries do the same for me.

[@zichamartin]

Thank you for making this. Very well put together and highly informative. A very interesting watch for any Koyaanisqatsi fan. Similarly as with you, the film has stuck with me ever since I saw it for the first time and I personally find it very difficult to actually talk about the qualities of the film, it's more like a meditation to me. I don't want to inject some intellectual nonsense here, but I think in one of Sartre's works he writes about memories and images losing some of it's beauty once described with words, but i think you've done the film and it's motives great justice in this video.

[@thethingaboutthething]

Thank you so much, I’m so glad you enjoyed the video. And yes, I agree! It’s like that old quote “writing about music is like dancing about architecture” which I feel applies to films like Koyaanisqatsi as well; they need to be experienced to be understood.

[@geenadasilva9287]

saw this in London at the now defunct Odeon Marble Arch in 1982 without knowing what it was. Blew my mind then and still does.

[@remixandkaraoke]

MY INTERPRETATION OF THE PROPHECY TRANSLATIONS: At 7:31 all three of these prophecy translations appear to be referring to ALUMINUM! Now I'll make my case for it... (Prophecy 1) We dig ALUMINUM from the land and create a lot of toxic waste in it's purification and industrialization processes. (Prophecy 2) The cobwebs spun back and forth in the sky are the CHEM-TRAILS, which have aluminum in them to create clouds which then help to slow the pace of global warming. (Prophecy 3) I believe that the "ASHES" being referred to in this last prophecy is referring to those same PURIFIED ALUMINUM POWDER WITH OTHER CHEMICALS to create the CHEM-TRAILS chemicals being sprayed in our skies, which create the "COBWEBS" mentioned in the second prophecy. Of course, I suppose I could be wrong about this, and I pray that I am. However, I also pray each day to be used by God God's servant and scribe too. So I leave it up to you to decide if my interpretation is a gift or warning from God or not. God, we, your children and servants humbly ask that you would do all you can to help to keep us safe and protected from the dangers of these CHEM-TRAIL clouds and not use products with aluminum in them either as it has been known to make people passive, docile and ultimately leads to Alzheimer's disease/dementia. I love all of you who take the time to read my words and take heed. I pray that God will bless and protect us all from these nightmarishly frightening prophesy interpretations. May all who read my words heed this warning and stay as far away from ALUMINUM in their lives- in all of it's many forms. , like sodium fluoride, and in anti-antiperspirants and deodorants, as they find people have higher incidences of breast cancer when these are used regularly. Do your own research on this. It's a fascinating topic well worth knowing about for your own health as well as that of your family and all those around you you love. I love everyone as my fellow brothers and sisters and believe this is the way to live according to God's will.I have compassion for all those who have been driven mad by the harshness and difficulties of this world order. Ultimately, God is with us all, if we would only acknowledge him within us and ask to be guided by His 10 Commandments and Christ's Highest Commandment for us all, which is that we "Love the Lord our god with all of our strength of body, mind and spirit. Love ourselves and take care of our body by eating healthfully and exercising regularly, and love our neighbors - meaning everyone else who is not you - as we love ourselves. WE WILL FAIL, and likely fail quite often at when we first start focusing on living this way, each day consistently. Yet we will also improve ourselves and raise our own levels of integrity, (which can inspire others to do the same just by your example) and we get better and more loving and compassion for our selves and others, as we go along. As we are conscious enough to pray and ask for God's forgiveness when we've fallen short in some way. If we sincerely ask for forgiveness and then do our best not to repeat that sin again, we will be forgiven and know that Heaven is ours and God walks with us each day. Our Heavenly Father wants a relationship with us and will bless those who have one with Him. Miracles happen every day. We can be miracle makers too by doing random acts of kindness when no one's watching too. Just keep these kindness between you and God though, don't go bragging about it. God appreciates a humble servant. Well, please forgive my verbosity.. This has gotten quite long. I'm God's scribe though, so I'm only telling you what he wants you to know. I know that He will lead the right ones to read and take heart of my words here, and they will be appreciated. Know that you are a reflection of God's infinite love here on Earth. Love truly is the answer, for God is love. Heaven is within and we are ultimately all one. Thank you for your kind attention. Be well, my brothers and sisters. Be kind loving and "excellent" to one another! Know that you are love and one with your Creator. Listen to your conscience/heart for this is where God's voice speaks to us from, not our brains where the ego resides. The ego is not our friend, according to "A Course In Miracles. I recommend reading "A Return to Love" by Marianne Williamson if you want to learn how to truly embrace God's love and be a miracle maker for others. For "in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make."

[@Matpeixelegal]

I know I'm 3 years late, but congratulations on your video! It's definitely among the best ones I've ever saw on Koyaanisqatsi

[@zacharygallenberger9243]

Do this again? You’re amazing man

[@AlistairArbour-qi3xp]

Truth is coming and we will all be suffering for all the lack of action

[@davidodysseus2808]

dude, you look so cool.

[@thethingaboutthething]

Hahaha thanks?

[@diegonayalazo]

Amazing review. Thanks

[@thethingaboutthething]

Thank you, so glad you enjoyed it!

[@alessandrodesantis-w3m]

outstanding work, my congratulations Adam.

[@theblankcanvasfilms]

I think this film becomes much easier to grasp once you've read something like Understanding Media by Marshall McLuhan.

[@mobiuspaw494]

Great film that has a profound and lasting effect. Magical score from Philip Glass. Thank you for loving this masterpiece.

[@kascnef]

I never heard of it first until I listened 🎶 to the soundtrack in gta trailer as well as other shows and movies and saw it on one of those speciality hd channels. it sure looks like an imax movie.

[@thethingaboutthething]

Yeah, if it weren't for a large portion of it being shot on 16mm I'm sure it would make for a great IMAX feature. Some of Ron Fricke's other films are stunning for sure, though. I'd recommend taking a look at Baraka.

[@ElectericPlatypi]

Nice first video dude! I have to go watch this film now.

[@thethingaboutthething]

Thank you! Definitely seek it out!

[@antonystringfellow5152]

I've watched it many times but even so, I'd feel a little uneasy about recommending it. It will probably never leave you.

[@Leto85]

What an amazing essey. You are so wellspoken and incredibly interesting to listen too. At times your English clearly exceeds that of my vocabulary, so I hope I understand what I need to understand. But in this case it's a compliment to say that even if I don't, at least I can watch the imagery.

[@enzobuso5933]

Amazing. Absolutely incredible analysis! Idk if you will make others in the future (since this was so long ago) but if you do I will definetely watch it

[@thethingaboutthething]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it! I'm hoping to make more but right now this is just a (very time-consuming) hobby.

[@Emppu_T.]

I appreciate your great review on this fantastic piece of cinema. Even though i do not fully endorse your views on political standings, which also why i found this ever more interesting. Best wishes

[@thethingaboutthething]

Appreciate you watching!

[@NBDYSPCL]

I think a new one should be made, 40 years on from the original. I cant help but watch scenes from these movies and fall into despair that we are more reliant on our systems of technology than ever. Moving faster to self annhilation through bug or bomb...

[@thethingaboutthething]

That would be an interesting concept. Reggio himself made two follow-ups in the Qatsi trilogy but neither hold the power of Koyaanisqatsi.

[@wageslave5019]

Great vid 👍

[@thethingaboutthething]

Thank you!!

[@withbirds]

just an excellent video i hope you make more

[@thethingaboutthething]

Thank you! Hopefully I'll be able to find the time to make more.

[@ilkan7496]

Thank you amazing review

[@Paolo8772]

This was an incredible look at Koyaanisqatsi; I think you pretty much nailed it in the head (except you could've used more than used more than the 14 seconds of the song "Koyaanisqatsi" for most of this video). Thanks for this wonderful reflection on one of the best pieces of cinematographic art!

[@thethingaboutthething]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@jjwdpod]

amazing video, great work 🤝🤝👏

[@thethingaboutthething]

Thank you for the kind words! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@simonwhite5535]

Excellent!!

[@thethingaboutthething]

Thank you!

[@memdoc_1966]

Great review!

[@enregistreur]

It’s funny, I didn’t know about the GTA IV trailer, but it’s thanks to this game I knew about the film. « Pruitt Igoe » was my favorite track on the ingame radio, and that’s when I searched where it was from that I stumbled upon the film. I’m so happy I watched the film alone and without disturbances the first time, it’s still one of my favorite untainted movie experience. As I work in tech, it had an influence on the « higher point of view » I had of the world and how we contribute to the realization of the prophecies. Thank you for this video commentary, very interesting to know that the director was a former monk, it certainly explains a lot…

[@thethingaboutthething]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who found out about this via GTA IV. Definitely agree that a solitary and undisturbed first viewing feels right for this.

[@masudashizue777]

The first one was engrossing, but I think the sequel had too many shots of people slogging through mud.

[@bendingunit01]

A Chrome tab in my mind that can never be shut😢

[@corvingro8213]

I need to write an Essay about this movie and this video really helps me out. If you need to select an topic to write about based on this film what would it be?

[@thethingaboutthething]

It really depends on what the purpose of the course/essay is! In this video I tried to go quite deep on the viewpoint of the world and society that the film is trying to communicate, and talk about the various ways in which it supports that argument. You could look at it from a purely environmental standpoint. You could look at it from an experimental film standpoint as an exercise in audiovisual communication. Whatever you find most interesting!

[@gaijingabber1056]

the part around 30 mins in has background music that sounds so familiar. i swear its an instrumental part from a black metal album from leviathan or xasthur or convulsing... i cant remember, please let me know

[@cjones3710]

How is this being called cult film? Was tequired watching in High School For Me. For Music appreciation class. Teacher studied at peabody institute.

[@thethingaboutthething]

Would that we all could have benefitted from a high school teacher who studied at the Peabody Institute and made Koyaanisqatsi required viewing. I'd say that an experimental art film that ranked 134th in box office returns in the year of its release yet has nonetheless persevered in the public consciousness through boutique physical media releases and repertory screenings fits the definition of cult film quite neatly.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

@@thethingaboutthething I think the film is a work of art and is meant to be 'considered' and not simply entertained by. Thank you for helping bringing to the attention of more people. Once seen, the film will never be forgotten. The score is magnificent.

[@luispineda4466]

History repeats, this stage is the worst. I worry for me children.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Thanks. I found Koyaanisqatsi to be a stunning denouncement of the huge mass of humanity. Going from 1 billion in 1805 to 8 billion now. In 200 years. The problem is we are too many, too out of control, too self centered, too self absorbed, too narcissistic. There can be a balance between us and the rest of reality. Looking inward, realizing we were not given this planet to misuse, but to live in an equalibrium. That means fewer people, naturally, leaving much of the planet alone, setting aside much of the planet off limits to our greedy and unprincipled hands. Seek enlightenment and introspection, value ALL life as we value our own.

[@thethingaboutthething]

I think it’s not not necessarily the amount of humans, but it is certainly the ways in which we’ve constructed our society and live our lives to depend on egregious extraction, exploitation, and waste.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

@@thethingaboutthething You make a valid point, but even a rational, ecologically aware population of 8 billion will have a much more massive impact on the environment than 2 billion ignorant, wasteful people will. And the larger point is convincing 8 billion people (and growing) to place environmental concerns ahead of their self-centered needs is doomed to failure, absent an end to chaotic governments and political systems. And education can go only so far. Can you imagine asking Americans to sacrifice for the good of the planet by denying themselves...anything? Look at the rates of obesity. We can't even deny ourselves dessert.

[@thethingaboutthething]

@@scottslotterbeck3796 An incredibly difficult problem, to be sure.

[@paulzeman7684]

As stated, on more than on occasion, it is an observation, not a denouncement.

[@thethingaboutthething]

@@paulzeman7684 Yet I think the real value is in how we perceive and process and react to these observations.

[@colonel1003]

This video was really good till 20 minute mark. Everything before was dissecting the film and the director’s vision, but then it went all political.

[@marsthelewis]

Discarding nuance… the essence of our times

[@MyRuno]

When I watched Koyaanisqatsi the first time, I totally changed my mind about what is possible to accomplish when it comes to dialectic film editing. In some ways this is a great film review. On a more negative note though, I think this guy includes too much cultural marxism and white self hatred into it. .

[@martinjohnston6685]

is this on blu ray now ?

[@ytsm]

Yo! Why'd you stop making videos?

[@paulzeman7684]

Wonderful analysis and presentation. Aside from the oddly-placed neo-Marxism, I think you stated it correctly. I believe your thesis is undermined by your moralizing. As stated by the director, this is an observation, not a moralistic condemnation. Yet, you went with moralistic virtue signaling and "oppression". Kind of destroyed your own argument there. Russia and China and any other communist country fully embraced the technology environment with the same fervor as anybody else.

[@thethingaboutthething]

As you know we're all entitled to our own interpretations, and I think it would be silly to try and remove myself from my own analysis. And as Reggio himself stated- these films are meant to provoke. So by showing the world as it is, it is up to each of us to understand what emotions and reactions are being provoked.

[@eugeneganshin2934]

You have a great channel, but your channel name is very mediocre.

[@damonkowarsky]

Good review. Thank you!

[@thethingaboutthething]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!