As a gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in virtual worlds, I must admit that “Nocturnes” has transported me to a different kind of realm – one where the stars are not pixels but the real thing, and the quest is not for treasure or glory, but for knowledge and understanding.
In the documentary “Nocturnes,” created by Anirban Dutta and Anupama Srinivasan, it is the moths that are revealed as the most poetic creatures gracing our planet. Their enchantment primarily lies in their routines, yet they exude an additional aesthetic allure. They boast vibrant colors and intricate wing patterns that even surpass those of their more well-known relatives. These creatures move with the moon, navigated not only by its phases but also by its radiance. As night falls, their paths are illuminated by a soft silver glow as they gracefully dance from one flower to another in pursuit of sweet nectar.
This award-winning documentary (that garnered the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Craft during its Sundance debut) immerses audiences in the heart of the Eastern Himalayas’ verdant wilderness, a region within the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh teeming with rich biodiversity. The melodious chirping of birds, the trumpeting of elephants, and the ominous growls of top predators create an enchanting symphony for the scientists diligently working on their research project.
In the Himalayas, quantitative ecologist Manis embarks on an ambitious project aimed at identifying every single species of moth. She shares this endeavor with her fellow collaborator Bicki, a young man from the Bugun indigenous community. According to her, these moths can provide valuable insights into the effects of climate change. Moths are not only incredibly varied (with approximately 160,000 species worldwide compared to 17,500 for butterflies), but they have also endured throughout every era of our planet. Their resilience serves as a tribute to their tenacity and a source of foresightful lessons.
Before information can be gleaned, however, data must be collected. Nocturnes is as much a process film as it is a sensory experience. The doc opens with Manis and Bicki setting up light screens that attract hundreds of moths each night, working quickly and quietly. They envelop themselves within the forest’s evening soundscape, and the noise of their boots shuffling across the grass melds with the whining crickets, howling owls and rustle of animals sheltering in the bushes.
As moths swarm over Manis’ mini grid-covered sheet, researchers pull out their digital cameras to capture these intruders. Cinematographer Satya Nagpaul skillfully frames up-close shots that highlight the allure in these often misjudged insects. A death’s-head hawkmoth boasts a design similar to a skull, while others unfurl wings adorned with circular ‘eyes’. Some are vibrant yellows, others subdued grays. These close-ups add depth to the film Nocturnes, showcasing a profound knowledge and appreciation for this environment that Dutta and Srinivasan portray.
At the outset of “Nocturnes”, Manis elucidates that they need to capture every image meticulously. This is crucial for later calculations of the measurements like length, width, and wingspan of each insect. The timeframe for this task isn’t specified. With an inspiring tenacity, she and her team aim to uncover the migratory paths of these enchanting insects by examining their sizes, shapes, and populations across different altitudes. Could it be that Himalayan moths, preferring cooler climates, are climbing higher mountains as temperatures drop? What could be the consequences if this is indeed a pattern, given that moths play a vital role in sustaining the local ecosystem?
In their experiment, Dutta and Srinivasan ask several intriguing questions, yet their 83-minute feature doesn’t aim to provide answers. This might leave those seeking clear-cut conclusions feeling unsatisfied. While there are educational sections where Manis discusses the animals’ behaviors, shares her research with peers, and reveals preliminary findings of her study, these moments carry a tense vibe that seems out of place compared to the film’s otherwise casual tone.
Despite focusing on the gradual pace and unwavering commitment demanded by Mani and Bicki’s work, what truly sets Nocturnes apart is its ability to vividly portray the feel of the forest. Shreyank Nanjappa’s sound design adds a powerful touch, intensifying the symphony of natural sounds. Scenes of moths alighting on illuminated surfaces and panoramic views of the surroundings are equally captivating. Striking visuals, such as mist moving over the screen and shrouding the trees, or glimpses of other animals like elephants, leave a lasting impression.
Immersing myself in the enchanting world of this jungle, where delicate moths play a crucial role in maintaining the balance, is what makes Nocturnes such a powerful plea for preserving these beautiful beings and our precious planet.
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2024-10-18 17:25