Koyaanisqatsi is a documentary (of sorts). It is also a visual concert of images set to the haunting music of ‘Phillip Glass’ . While there is no plot in the traditional sense, there is a definate scenario. The film opens on ancient native American cave drawings, while the soundtrack chants “Koyaanisqatsi” which is a Hopi indian term for “life out of balance”. The film uses extensive time lapse photography (which speeds images up) and slow motion photography to make comparisons between different types of physical motion. In one of the first examples, we see cloud formations moving (sped up) intercut with a montage of ocean waves (slowed down) and in such a way we are able to see the similarities of movement between these natural forces. This technique of comparison exists throughout the film, and through it we learn more about the world around us. The film progresses from purely natural environments to nature as affected by man, and finally to man’s own manmade environment, devoid of nature yet still following the patterns of natural flow as depicted in the beginning of the film, yet in chaos and disarray. Through this the film conveys its key message, which is Koyaanisqatsi: life out of balance; crazy life; life in turmoil; life disintegrating; a state of life that calls for another way of living.

Koyaanisqatsi (1982)
  • Rating: (15,124 votes)
  • Taglines:October 4, 1982. More than 5,000 people filled the sold out Radio City Music Hall to experience a remarkable film event. That event was the world premiere of KOYAANISQATSI. Now everyone can share the power of that experience. » Until now, you've never really seen the world you live in. »
  • Runtime:86 minutes
  • Director: Godfrey Reggio
  • Country:USA
  • Actors:
    Himself (uncredited)
    Lou Dobbs
    Himself (archive footage) (uncredited)
    Ted Koppel
  • Genres:Documentary, Music
  • Producers:
    Francis Ford Coppola
    executive producer  
    Mel Lawrence
    associate producer  
    Roger McNew
    associate producer  
    T. Michael Powers
    associate producer  
    Godfrey Reggio
    producer  
    Lawrence Taub
    associate producer (as Lawrence S. Taub) 
    Alton Walpole
    associate producer  
  • Plots: Koyaanisqatsi is a documentary (of sorts). It is also a visual concert of images set to the haunting music of 'Phillip Glass' . While there is no plot in the traditional sense, there is a definate scenario. The film opens on ancient native American cave drawings, while the soundtrack chants "Koyaanisqatsi" which is a Hopi indian term for "life out of balance". The film uses extensive time lapse photography (which speeds images up) and slow motion photography to make comparisons between different types of physical motion. In one of the first examples, we see cloud formations moving (sped up) intercut with a montage of ocean waves (slowed down) and in such a way we are able to see the similarities of movement between these natural forces. This technique of comparison exists throughout the film, and through it we learn more about the world around us. The film progresses from purely natural environments to nature as affected by man, and finally to man's own manmade environment, devoid of nature yet still following the patterns of natural flow as depicted in the beginning of the film, yet in chaos and disarray. Through this the film conveys its key message, which is Koyaanisqatsi: life out of balance; crazy life; life in turmoil; life disintegrating; a state of life that calls for another way of living. Written by Andrew M. Somers <film@myndex.com>
Koyaanisqatsi
  • User's comment:Just watch it by Boyo-2

    A welcome assault on the senses, 'Koyaanisqatsi' is not for the impatient or nervous. You have to give it time because it is slightly dull in the very beginning, as the music and landscapes are fairly ordinary. Once it gets going, its really fascinating. Some gorgeous images, none generated by a computer I might add, and a soundtrack to match the intensity makes this a unique movie experience. I saw it on the big screen when it was first released, and it was MUCH better than on my not-that-big television.

    One of the things I also like about this movie is the fact that since there is no dialogue, it can be shown in any country in the world unchanged. We would all see it the exact same way. I like the idea of that very much.


  • Also known as: Koyaanisqatsi - En verden ude af balance (Denmark), Koyaanisqatsi - Kizökkent világ (Hungary - imdb display title), Koyaanisqatsi - Prophezeiung (West Germany), Koyaanisqatsi - Uma Vida Fora de Equilíbrio (Brazil), Koyaanisqatsi, to taxidi ton eikonon (Greece - transliterated ISO-LATIN-1 title), Koyaanisqatsi: Life Out of Balance (USA - poster title),

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