Written and directed by Josef Gatti, a psychedelic odyssey into the fabric of the universe, guided by a filmmaker’s immersive practical experiments that transcend into a deeply hypnotic audio-visual experience of awe and human connection to the natural world. Featuring: Josef Gatti, Mark Gatti, Emme Orbach, John-Paul James and James McAsey.
They key thing you have to talk about with Phenomena is the visuals because they are absolutely stellar. They’re so naturally creative, colourful and free flowing that the filmmakers even felt a need to remind viewers before they delve in, that they are all real and not artificially or computer generated. Which is absolutely fair enough because they are so mesmerising that you might feel the need to question it. Mostly because in a world where people become increasingly less observant, no-one really looks as closely as Josef Gatti does with this documentary.
It’s a very lovely reminder of the natural beauty there is to be found in more than just landscapes. If you were to take an utterly simplistic view of Phenomena, you might say it’s a similar thing repeated over and over, explaining the reaction of different elements, then viewing the results, and to an extent that’s true, but it doesn’t make it any less engaging. It perhaps only makes it even more to Gatti’s credit that despite following a very similar pattern throughout the documentary, it never loses your attention.
While the visuals are stunning, that’s not really the heart of Phenomena, at the very core of the documentary is curiosity. An unabashed, adventurous sense of wonder is the key to why the film is so captivating. It’s almost childlike in its desire see what happens when you play around with different elements, which is charming. There’s a wholesome quality to its tone, Gatti’s narration holds a very classic documentary style, and it’s supported by some strong editing work (by Gatti and Johanna Scott), making for a great, enthralling presence.
Phenomena holds an infectious curiosity and adventurous taste for chain reactions. Josef Gatti builds a wonderful personality and presence to the documentary through both his work in front of and behind the camera. His narration is endearing and inviting, the film overall has a very friendly persona. The visuals are almost hypnotic to watch unfold, and there’s a lovely message built in there about taking the time to look closer, to shift your perspective and to appreciate how natural beauty can be found in all sorts of unexpected places.
FilmCarnage.com 