Tuesday 4 September 2007

Art In Nature


These opening images in the 2004 film "Genesis" (by the team who made the great "Microcosmos") are undefined...They are not actually static images, but growing waves of colour that change and interact with each other according to what appear to be complicated rules. Whether these were computer generated and left to follow a preset program or were some kind of natural occurrence is not explained.








And this seems to fit with much of what follows in the film. Anything else we see is most definitely a purely natural sight - perhaps there's some slow motion or special camera equipment used, but otherwise everything is simply nature following its complex set of dynamic rules for the planet. The gist of the film is to take the viewer through the creation of life - from the fire and molten rock of the initial still forming planet to the oceans created by constant rain and through life forming (in water then to land). The images are astounding and I had to control myself from capturing another 50 or 60 more. There's some absolutely stunning pictures of a human fetus trying to suck its impossibly small thumb, but you'll have to watch the movie for that...

Below, I tried to capture other images in the film that fit those opening ones - almost abstract pieces of art found in nature that still conform to certain guidelines and rules.


















The narration in the film is OK and reinforces life's constant struggle against the arrow of time and its tendency towards chaos. But overall, not much is added to what we're seeing on the screen. You also see the narrator speaking on several occasions and the fact that the voice has been dubbed over certainly doesn't help.

But nevermind...Just enjoy the feast for your eyes.

3 comments:

shahn said...

simply gorgeous
you've captured some great stills

Anonymous said...

I loved the film's images too but found the "wise African" narrator a bit hokey and cliched.This was part of Ironweed Film Club's subscription in August 2006 (www.ironweedfilms.com).

Bob Turnbull said...

Thanks shahn...I was thinking of your blog and its amazing images when I was putting this together.

James, yes, I actually heard about this film while going through Ironweed's old monthly picks (after reading your review of "Small Town Gay Bar"), so I have you to thank as well. I'll buy you a beer if we can sync up during Filmfest...