"Chronos" (Ron Fricke)

"I feel that my work has evolved through Koyaanisqatsi, Chronos and Baraka. Both technically and philosophically I am ready to delve even deeper into my favorite theme: humanity's relationship to the eternal" (Fricke)


I found Chronos (1985) a fascinating and beautiful film to watch. So far in my research in my opinion this is time-lapse shown at its mightiest , With the film locations at their most beautifulest and in all their glory. Its fascinating how stagnant the atmosphere is in the more natural and untouched locations such as the rocky mountains and the Egyptian tombs with cast shadow showing the only main form of change visually, in contrast  to the sudden switch of city life, displaying it as the rat race it really is. The change in non diegetic sound conveys this busy and hectic atmosphere very well, and puts in to perspective how different parts of the world really are, despite time being an unavoidable factor. 
My particular favourite part shows an audience and performance at a London Theatre. The performers are made to look almost ghostly and there really is a deep poetic feel about the whole thing. The people on the tube are also fascinating. I think this film portrays more of a circulation of time, rather than bearing any particular political messages, yet is still fascinating to watch and consider, being stunned with the time and effort put into making it. 


While considering my project, i have looked into the systematic and strategics into making Chronos, and like the way specific rules were instilled in order to build the film, such as a 24-hour shot of a desert while perfectly-evenly panning 180 degrees. Some other scenes were just 45 minutes long, shot with custom build time-lapse cameras. 
I think drawing up rules like this to abide to can make for an entirely different project, making it more specific and definate, rather than random and on the spot. I am thinking about showing people and places close to me, highlighting what they do with their time. I will be the one to document this perhaps for ex. 1 hour, taking a shot every 5 minutes of them in the space in which i have met them. There will be alot to consider technically, ie. should i keep the camera on a tripod in the same place, shall i move it around etc.. I am looking forward to doing this, and have been influenced by a number of artists so far in which to display this imagery. Duane Michales in particular. 


Thanks to Youtube, I was able to source and watch "Chronos" Link follows...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0I8N74t2x50&feature=related