MOVIE REVIEW
Matter Out of Place
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 45m
Director(s): Nikolaus Geyrhalter
Language: English/German with English subtitles
Where To Watch: TBA; for more information, visit www.icarusfilms.com

RAVING REVIEW: It’s not often that a film with so little dialogue can accomplish such an incredible feat. However, Austrian director Nikolaus Geyrhalter's imaginative and award-winning environmental documentary, MATTER OUT OF PLACE, does so in stride, a delightful yet thought-provoking film that tackles a topic face-on. It takes on the convoluted realm of waste management and its environmental impact.

Join this experience as we see an array of picturesque landscapes, ranging from the Swiss mountains to the coastlines of Greece, Albania, and even the deserts of Nevada. Geyrhalter's visuals offer a glimpse into the gravity of our waste predicament while showcasing the tireless efforts of those battling this problem. MATTER OUT OF PLACE is a call to action that speaks to Geyrhalter's unwavering concern for the environment. MATTER OUT OF PLACE hones in on the geographical facets of waste management, from local garbage collection to industrial disposal processes.

Through Geyrhalter's storytelling, the film exposes the repercussions of a consumer-driven society and the environmental decline that ensues because of it. The documentary reveals the darker side of waste management systems, often exploited for financial gain, perpetuating social disparities. Geyrhalter's lingering camera allows audiences to grasp this urgent issue's intricacies fully. This could have easily been a different type of documentary. The decision to keep it mainly visual makes it a universal film that people from every corner of the earth can experience.

The striking contrast between beautiful scenery and the stark reality of pollution invokes feelings of despair and urgency, emphasizing the need to address the environmental crisis head-on. Sometimes it takes “seeing” to believe, although many have a mindset that only they matter, so even this experience wouldn’t sway their understanding or beliefs.

MATTER OUT OF PLACE traces the journey of waste from its beginnings to its final resting places in remote locations. By tackling the "out of sight, out of mind" attitude fueling our waste crisis, Geyrhalter compels us to face the consequences of our actions. The film is a forceful reminder of the critical role of environmental stewardship.

MATTER OUT OF PLACE is a fitting extension of Geyrhalter's body of work, which scrutinizes the exploitation of natural resources and humanity's journey toward self-destruction.

In essence, MATTER OUT OF PLACE is a visually captivating and provocative documentary that challenges viewers to confront the stark reality of our waste problem.

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[photo courtesy of ICARUS FILMS]