Visitors: Abstract Cinema Worth While for Open Minded Audiences

Imagine sitting in a movie with nothing except black and white images slowly creeping on the screen. Oh, there is no dialogue or hardly any noises. A repetitive score continuous plays. This is what watching the new cinematic experience Visitors is like. I find it reassuring and rewarding to try something new when watching movies. Visitors is the kind of movie you would want to experience. Opening one’s mind to this realm of artistic possibilities is a journey. Imagine Tree of Life without actual characters, plot, or dialogue. Speaking of which, here is the synopsis:

Thirty years after “Koyaanisqatsi,” Godfrey Reggio-with the support of Philip Glass and Jon Kane-once again leapfrogs over earthbound filmmakers and creates another stunning, wordless portrait of modern life. Presented by Steven Soderbergh in stunning black and white 4K digital projection, “Visitors” reveals humanity’s trancelike relationship with technology, which, when commandeered by extreme emotional states, produces massive effects far beyond the human species. The film is visceral, offering the audience an experience beyond information about the moment in which we live. Comprised of only seventy-four shots, “Visitors” takes viewers on a journey to the moon and back to confront them with themselves. (c) Cinedigm

Playing in limited release, Visitors is the type of polarizing feature that divides audiences: viewers will be spell bounded or sleeping. I found it soothing and a way to test ones limits of tolerating abstract. In an era of fast paced distraction, this is welcoming. As a movie, Visitors is a challenging feature that annoys the impatient and soothes viewers. Those looking for an escape of the hustle and bustle of a demanding life as everything vies for your attention will find this movie reassuring and even relaxing. It was tough sitting through but I found to be a rewarding experience. With the slow burn of images on screen, it is like an interactive art gallery projected in a theatre. Imagine an 80 minute montage of Ansel Adams photography (with more close-up portraits of faces) accompanied styled video. A lot happens over the course of the running time but nothing at all. I’m not sure if audiences have the discipline for Visitors. Yes, it is pretentious, but is inviting to viewers. Will audiences want to attend or leaving the party 30 minutes in? That depends on your taste. And like all art, it is up for the viewer to decide.