Samsara is an intellectual montage documentary, directed and written by Ron Fricke and Mark Magidson and produced by Mark Magidson. Filmed over five years in 25 countries all over the globe and shot in 70 mm format, Samsara is a feast to the senses and the intellect. Samsara premiered at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival and was given a limited release in August 2012. The word Samsara, or Sansara is a Sanskrit word that explains the universal connections that every living being has with the other, a colossal flow of spiritual spirit that binds all souls together. Samsara discovers the spectacles that constitute our world; from the commonplace to the extraordinary, taking a peak into the profound spirituality of man and the experience of the human state. Samsara is too rich to be categorized as a conventional documentary a traveller’s diary; Samsara is rather an eloquent yet silent guide that provides the viewer an opportunity for a deep reflection of their senses.
The striking feature of Samsara is that it does not address any political views or biased ideologies; it flows right in the middle. It is a form of speechless poetry, unassuming and revealing at the same time. It lacks narration and there is no subtle message involved, leaving its viewer with the liberty to ride the wings of their own imagination. The music sequences throughout the film, composed by Michael Stearns, Lisa Gerrard, and Marcello De Francisci, flow with a mood that mirrors their visual counter parts. This unique setting allows a deeper indulgence of meditation for its viewer. Samsara, as a film is truly an unconventional masterpiece that stands alone even in its unique class of cinematography.
Works Cited
Samsara. Dir. Ron Fricke and Mark Magidson. Oscilloscope Laboratories, 2011. Film
