Koyaanisqatsi (1982)

An art-house circuit sensation, this feature-length documentary, shot on 16mm and 35mm film, is visually arresting and without a story, dialogue, or characters. Koyaanisqatsi, a Hopi word roughly translated into English as “life out of balance”, is composed of nature imagery, manipulated in slow motion, double exposure or time lapse, juxtaposed with footage of humans' devastating environmental impact on the planet. Starting with an ancient rock wall painting, the film moves through sequences depicting clouds, waves, and other natural features, then into man-made landscapes such as buildings, earth-altering construction machinery, and cars. Also notable for its intense, atmospheric score by new age composer Philip Glass, Koyaanisqatsi was a labor of love for Reggio, who spent several years filming it. The film was followed by sequels, Powaqqatsi (1988), Anima Mundi (1991) and Naqoyqatsi (1999).

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