Bodysong

Bodysong - Written Directed by Simon Pummel, Music by Jonny Greenwood

Charles Dickens wrote "I was born, I lived, I Died", in between birth and death Bodysong gathers images depicting the human condition, what it means to be part of the human race, and what a race! A race for dominance, equality, liberty the freedom to live.

The film uses images from different times and cultures showing how similar we all are at the beginning of our lives, (the montage of human births is a real eye opener!) by the 83rd and final minute you have been washed with so many emotions, conflicts, clashes, cultures, the young, the old, the violent, the passive and the many religions existing on the earth.

The film breaks down into sections which slot into a time line and possibly offers answers to questions it poses in your mind. Accompanied by a soundtrack from Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead there is no dialogue until the final reel when we reach the area of human communication. This however, is not a hindrance as the music draws you through the images of beauty, birth, sex, war, death, happiness, joy, love bringing you to emotive highs and lows throughout.

This film has drawn on a century of images. Humanity internal and external, it has similarities to ‘Sick: The Life and Death of Bob Flanagan, Super masochist’ but where as that film focused on the humanity of an individual this film is a window on to all humanity. It is truly a global film which deserves attention recognition and applause with a musical soundtrack driven by the images, pulling the audience through a breakout film.

There is also a website www.bodysong.com which accompanies/compliments the film and allows you to explore each image from the film. I recommend both although neither is for the faint hearted.

Watch an interview with the director of Body Song - CLICK HERE

Pip Johnstone