The wonders of the heavens are breathtakingly captured in Alison McAlpine’s visually stunning documentary filmed at and around the observatories in the Atacama Desert of Northern Chile, where the clearness of the air and absence of artificial light make for an unimpeded view of the sky. Cielo uses time-lapse photography, along with some special effects, to convey the majesty of the star-filled night and shimmering magnificence of the sun and the moon during the day. McAlpine juxtaposes these visuals with her own voiceover ruminations as well as excerpts from interviews of people living in the area. The astronomers’ descriptions of their work are interesting, but the locals are even more fascinating. Among those musing on the mysteries of the skies are an elderly couple who debate the shape of the earth and the laws of gravity, a man who associates one particular star with the spirit of his deceased daughter, and various miners, ranchers, and algae-collectors. McAlpine resists adding any larger social or political context (which some will consider a strength and others a weakness), but her crystalline views of the sky are absolutely awe-inspiring. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
Cielo
(2018) 78 min. In English, Spanish & French w/English subtitles. DVD: $349. DRA. Juno Films. PPR. Closed captioned. Volume 33, Issue 6
Cielo
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