Now that we've cleared out 9/10ths of the room, we can attempt to discuss what this is or isn't about. It's art with a capital A, providing the options that you either get out of it what you take in, or that you emerge with less, or nothing at all. We'll concede that it's a rapturous piece of work taken in any length, and that while possible themes manifest, the end result of becalming meditation should be quite sufficient reward for most viewers.

Niblock's 16mm footage comes from the early/ mid-seventies to the mid-eighties, shot mostly in Peru, Mexico, Hong Kong and Hungary. His shots aren't precious compositions, many early ones simply zero in on gnarled fingers weaving, planting, working wood, making shoes. Framing is economical - the compositions evolve from repetitive, often similar motions. Yet in their simplicity, they become instantly fascinating, we form subliminal attachments to the motions, and their outcomes. We're witnessing skilled knowledge that becomes intuitive through repetition, poetic instinct.

Niblock opens up his full frame subjects while moving to Asia and Hungary for the second side of the DVD, pulling focus out to show dockworkers moving crates of fish, or men using pitchforks to fling hay bales, and the rhythmic swing of the scythe. For the adventurous, we even witness people with arms elbow-deep in cows' nether-regions, or women killing and dressing chickens. In an ultimately minimalist, anti-heroic stance, Niblock ends our non-journey with silent footage of communal meatball making - it's curiously powerful happenstance.

But 99% of footage is accompanied by Niblock's other passion, musical composition - which can best be described as drone. Amelodic, polytonal chords stretch for twenty minutes at a time, in no way synched to what's being seen. Liner notes indicate Niblock would set up live exhibitions with dual projections and music, none of which corresponded, nor was meant to correspond, to the other - and this DVD isn't any different. Niblock draws out a single chord using one voice, perhaps a stringed instrument, layering that voice over and over without regard to musical intervals, creating a constantly shifting yet monolithic strata of mysterious overtones. While a shot of hands trimming shoe leather may hold two minutes, only to be replaced by similar hands combing wool, a single, imperceptibly undulating chord persists, but check it at minute five and later at minute eighteen, and it sounds completely different.

Not even our minimalism-loving constitution is able to take all 210 minutes of People Working in one sitting; but two, or three, or however many sittings work equally well, and all are valid. This work can be absorbed and digested in thoughtful, measured doses, but its very similarity to itself makes the search for shifting meaning - or quest for calm - possible with little effort. We'll use Niblock's work to validate our thesis that human existence boils down to moving things from one place to another. We'll also hail Niblock as a hero of minimalism we wish we'd known about earlier (not that we're experts on the subject, just ardent admirers). If this sounds good to you, rest assured it's very, very good.

The DVD

Video:
Niblock's 16mm work is presented in fullframe, as intended, and looks remarkably good. The transfer and authoring jobs are spot-on. Minor film damage in the way of scratches pop up occasionally, while colors are rich and nicely saturated, albeit a bit subdued from the source. No compression artifacts spoil the fun.

Sound:
5.1 Digital Surround Sound is a loving way to treat Niblock's original multitrack recordings. Clearly a super active mix isn't the point, but a rich, enveloping aural experience is quite welcome, enhancing the effect of the work nicely.

Extras:
Eight page Liner Notes contribute background information, details on filming, recording, and mastering, as well as a hefty interview with Niblock, conducted by Marcelo Aguirre and Daniel Varela. Otherwise, the work is divided into two different modes of Chapter Selections - you may pick from a menu calling out either individual passages of film or music, depending on your inclinations (and considering that each element exists independently of the other). You may also watch each side in its entirety, if you so desire.

Final Thoughts:
This is hardcore minimalist art - narrative free, changing yet repetitive footage of people working - primarily people in non-industrialized, non Western countries - doing simple tasks, accompanied by droning, minimalist music - glacial movements to shape your spirit like the endless tides. Res ipsa loquitur - the thing speaks for itself. Highly Recommended, if you have the taste for it.

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