\"The Movement of People Working\" by minimalist composer, film maker and photographer Phill Niblock portrays human labor in its most elementary form. It is the combination of his slowly evolving harmonic music that creates an otherworldly masterpiece.

"The Movement of People Working" by minimalist composer, film maker
and photographer Phill Niblock portrays human labor in its most
elementary form. It is the combination of his slowly evolving harmonic
music that creates an otherworldly masterpiece.

The films and the
music combine elements that seem contradictory, creating tension as a
result. Impersonal motion patterns filmed in vibrant 1970s Kodachrome
move side by side with glorious sounds that are caused by an acoustic
phenomenon.

However, there are striking parallels between the
image and sound as well, not because one was made as a companion to the
other, but because of correspondences at a deeper level. Both display
movements within a larger frame that changes at an exceedingly slow
rate, evoking simultaneous sensations of movement and immobility. Both
transcend the strictly personal, thereby acquiring extra import. In
juxtaposition they can bring about a curiously alert trance-like
condition, in which associations have free rein.

In experiencing
"The Movement of People Working" you can decide to close your eyes and
follow the music - one radiant chord, in which shifts occur continually
on various levels; or you can follow the images and push the sound to
the back of your mind.

Both are prominently present, and yet
they don't force themselves on you. They don't put a compelling claim
on your concentration. In much the same way modesty shines through the
images themselves: Niblock's camera does not affect the behavior of the
people he films; their dignity is left intact.

There is no
doubt that DVD is the perfect medium for the film and music of Phill
Niblock. There is also no doubt that Niblock has, with the release of
"The Movement of People Working", expanded the possibilities of this
medium.

FACE A:

FILM: 1. Sur Dos (Peru)
2. Trabajando Una (Mexico)
3. Sur Una (Mexico)
4. Trabajando Dos (Mexico)
MUSIQUE: 1. ...every tune
2. Summing III
3. Four Arthurs
4. E for Gibson

FACE B:

FILM: 5. Hong Kong
6. Hungary
MUSIQUE: 5. Cello & Bassoon
6. A mix of Cello & Bassoon and Contrabassoon & Contrabass
7. A third trombone
8. According to Guy, version III
9. Not Untitled, Knot Untied - Old