Homosapiens
(2016/Kimstim/Icarus DVD)
Picture:
B- Sound: B- Extras: D Film: C
Attempting
to be a pseudo-documentary like the Qatsi Trilogy, Nikolaus
Geyrhalter's Austrian film Homosapiens (2016) is a story told
by images and features desolate landscapes of ruins, cities, islands,
and other various spaces where vegetation has taken over all over the
world. Apparently a critical success, as the back cover of the disc
features rave reviews by some top critical names. Ultimately, the
film seems more experimental in nature than actually trying to tell a
narrative story that will attract some and deter others.
The
main theme of the film can vary depending on your own personal view
of the material, but what is most confusing to me is the complete
lack of an orchestral score to accompany the images. Something along
the lines of Philip Glass would make the images even more haunting
and impactful, however it was Geyrhalter's stylistic choice to use
only the source tracks of the clips themselves, which may or may not
have been a good choice.
Presented
in standard definition with a widescreen anamorphically enhanced
aspect ratio of 1.77:1 and presumably Stereo lossy Dolby Digital 2.0
track, the film could definitely benefit from a high definition
upgrade to make the images even more sharp and defined. The sound is
passable. Overall, a standard DVD presentation and nothing special.
No
extras.
A
film I certainly wouldn't watch again, Homosapiens will beat
you over the head with wide angle shots of forgotten places that may
or may not move you.
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
