Ignorant News Anchors Are Not Funny. They're just Ignorant
"Koyaanisqatsi - Life Out of Balance" is the title of a (1983) documentary directed by Godfrey Reggio, to a stunning musical score by Philip Glass. Among other things it introduced a vast audience to the music of Mr. Glass, one of the late 20th Century's most notable composers.
"Koyaanisqatsi" is a visual concert of images. There is no plot in the traditional sense. The film uses extensive time lapse and slow motion photography to make comparisons between different types of physical motion to allow us to the similarities of movement between these natural forces and 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 an environmental message, which is that human life is out of balance; crazy; in turmoil; disintegrating; and calls for another way of living.
On its release "Koyaanisqatsi" was hailed as visionary by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. Since its release, the influence of Koyaanisqatsi, has become unmistakable in television advertisements, music videos, and movies.
The reviews for this film were overwhelming: Prepare to experience a truly remarkable filma cinematic masterpiece so extraordinary that it regales the senses, stimulates the mind and actually 'redefines the potential of filmmaking (The Hollywood Reporter). Celebrated director Godfrey Reggio, innovative cinematographer Ron Fricke and Golden Globe-winning composer Philip Glass have created a 'spellbinding [film] so rich in beauty and detail that with each viewing it becomes a new and different film (Leonard Maltin). Unique profound mesmerizing and thought-provoking (Boxoffice), Koyaanisqatsi contrasts the tranquil beauty of nature with the frenzied hum of contemporary urban society. Uniting breathtaking imagery with a hauntingly evocative, award-winning score, it is original and fascinating (People) one of the greatest films of all time (Uncut).
So where's the beef?
About 25 minutes ago, Jennifer Westhoven and Robin Meade had a good laugh, on air, that (i) Amazon.com had recommended the film to Jennifer as something she might enjoy, and (ii) that neither of them could pronounce the title.
Leaving aside the leering, unprofessional and inappropriate, sexually laced repartee which CNN anchors seem to enjoy so much. This is just one more example of the ignorance of the cue card readers that CNN pushes upon us as reporters. (Here's another from two minutes ago, Robin Meade on Scarlett Johansen's comment that she would rather be known for attributes other than her looks: "Hey, whatever gets you on the cover works for me (giggle giggle)." Woops, there goes another year of women's lib down the tubes).
Ignorance is not funny.
Ignorant news reporters are even less funny.
When CNN execs stand up at conferences on the state of the News media and complain that the media are not doing their job, they should start by aiming their sights at their own product.
When the only choices for somewhat complete reportage are the right-wing bias of Fox media or the mind-numbing inanity of sexual innuendo and plain ignorance of Robin & Co. I think that the greats of the field - Morrow, Brinkley, Huntly etc. must be rolling in their graves.
Thank goodness that BBC World news still maintains some semblance of British dignity.
"Koyaanisqatsi" is a visual concert of images. There is no plot in the traditional sense. The film uses extensive time lapse and slow motion photography to make comparisons between different types of physical motion to allow us to the similarities of movement between these natural forces and 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 an environmental message, which is that human life is out of balance; crazy; in turmoil; disintegrating; and calls for another way of living.
On its release "Koyaanisqatsi" was hailed as visionary by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. Since its release, the influence of Koyaanisqatsi, has become unmistakable in television advertisements, music videos, and movies.
The reviews for this film were overwhelming: Prepare to experience a truly remarkable filma cinematic masterpiece so extraordinary that it regales the senses, stimulates the mind and actually 'redefines the potential of filmmaking (The Hollywood Reporter). Celebrated director Godfrey Reggio, innovative cinematographer Ron Fricke and Golden Globe-winning composer Philip Glass have created a 'spellbinding [film] so rich in beauty and detail that with each viewing it becomes a new and different film (Leonard Maltin). Unique profound mesmerizing and thought-provoking (Boxoffice), Koyaanisqatsi contrasts the tranquil beauty of nature with the frenzied hum of contemporary urban society. Uniting breathtaking imagery with a hauntingly evocative, award-winning score, it is original and fascinating (People) one of the greatest films of all time (Uncut).
So where's the beef?
About 25 minutes ago, Jennifer Westhoven and Robin Meade had a good laugh, on air, that (i) Amazon.com had recommended the film to Jennifer as something she might enjoy, and (ii) that neither of them could pronounce the title.
Leaving aside the leering, unprofessional and inappropriate, sexually laced repartee which CNN anchors seem to enjoy so much. This is just one more example of the ignorance of the cue card readers that CNN pushes upon us as reporters. (Here's another from two minutes ago, Robin Meade on Scarlett Johansen's comment that she would rather be known for attributes other than her looks: "Hey, whatever gets you on the cover works for me (giggle giggle)." Woops, there goes another year of women's lib down the tubes).
Ignorance is not funny.
Ignorant news reporters are even less funny.
When CNN execs stand up at conferences on the state of the News media and complain that the media are not doing their job, they should start by aiming their sights at their own product.
When the only choices for somewhat complete reportage are the right-wing bias of Fox media or the mind-numbing inanity of sexual innuendo and plain ignorance of Robin & Co. I think that the greats of the field - Morrow, Brinkley, Huntly etc. must be rolling in their graves.
Thank goodness that BBC World news still maintains some semblance of British dignity.
posted by BuddhistAttorney | 10:29 AM
3 Comments:
Hi Mike! I wish you would just dropped me an email telling me how much you loved the film. I study very hard at what I do, but sadly do not have all the time in the world before each story. But I am ALWAYS willing to learn.
Om mani Padme hum!
Jennifer Westhoven
"Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn't anyone who doesn't appreciate kindness and compassion."
Dalai Lama
There are other nice things I would really like to tell you so you wouldn't be upset, but they're really for you as opposed to a blog. Good luck and blessings! I will rent the movie based on your passion for it. (actually I believe they were showing it when I was on a yoga retreat last month, but no one pronounced it!) Ah well.
Jennifer:
I hope you read this. It's funny, I wrote a blog just a few weeks ago along the lines of who pays attention to us bloggers anyway?
You point is well taken. I am not upset. I appreciate that time must be a precious commodity for you and everyone at CNN.
My comments were not intended to be directed at you personally, so much as they were part of a long-running complaint I have with the air of conviviality at CNN Headline News that too often (in my opinion) interferes with the news. I understand that part of the problem is that CNN constantly treads the thin line between being a 24 hour news program and being entertainment.
I am humbled by your well chosen quote from His Holiness. I could have made my point without giving personal offense. I still have much to learn.
I hope you enjoy the movie.
I would be happy to hear more from you please feel free to contact me at mschreiber@bigfoot.com
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