Bliss n’Eso v. Sigure Ros

A comparison of the videos of The Sea is Rising by Bliss n Eso featuring John Bulter Trio, and a BBC Planet Earth compilation accompanied by the music Hoppipolla by Sigur Ros.

Both videos are a visual representation of planet Earth with both using the medium of cinematography to capture their awe inspiring images. The BBC video contains beautiful images of the natural world, with all the images except for one containing a lighthouse, free of humans. It portrays the diversity of the Earth’s landscapes and seascapes, and the wonder of the animal kingdom. The accompanying music is not challenging or even interesting, but it is uplifting, adding to the images to create awe and wonder.

The Bliss n Eso featuring John Butler Trio video used the same medium and contained similar awe inspiring images however in conjunction with these images were images of humans and the effects humans have had on the natural world, thereby creating a contrast. Images of war, the effects of poverty, violence, greed and excessive consumerism, the results of natural disasters and the effects of climate change, represent the negative aspects of humanity. However, the video also includes images representing some positive aspects of humanity, including those of Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Ghandi, the moon landing, and a meditating Buddhist monk, and the music that the video accompanies contains lyrics such as “Peace, love, unity”, and “peace between all humans, peace with the universe”. The overall effect is one of shocking the viewer into bearing witness to the damage humans are inflicting on the planet, and inspiring them to change with images of past human accomplishments, with a message that if all humankind unite in peace, the negative aspects depicted can cease or be reversed.

Although the BBC Planet Earth video is beautiful to watch, it is as much of a display of the cinematographers’ abilities as it is a display of the beauty of the planet. The Bliss n Eso featuring John Butler Trio video, is more engaging and challenging, carrying weight and a message.

References

Bliss n Eso feat: John Butler Trio - "The Sea is Rising" - Peace One Day Video. Youtube. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J08MqOtAEVs>

BBC Planet Earth - Hoppipolla song by Sigur Ros. Youtube. Web. 12 May 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH2Z_1-Frb8>