Profit motive and the whispering wind

Profit Motive and the Whispering Wind is a critically acclaimed documentary film written and directed by John Gianvito. Released in 2007, this avant-garde cinematic piece bridges the gaps between past and present, living and dead, in an allusive exploration of American history and the often-unheard voices within it.

The film, even without using a single human actor or spoken dialogue, manages to create a compelling narrative. Gianvito's approach was unique — he chose to show us history not through dramatic reenactments or drawn-out lectures, but through quiet observations of graves, landmarks, and memorial sites throughout the United States. In this way, Profit Motive and the Whispering Wind becomes less a traditional documentary and more an elegy to the forgotten labor and civil rights activists, socialists and anarchists, agitators and dissidents, who fought for what they believed in.

The style of the film is poetic and contemplative. Visual sequences are repetitive: we see a serene shot of a specific outdoor location, followed by carefully composed close-ups of gravestones, plaques, and other marks that reveal pieces of history. This repetition, albeit unchanging, never becomes monotonous due to the diverse array of locations filmed. As a result, the movie feels like a visual meditation that allows us to peer back into history and reflect upon it ourselves.

Some of the physical locations featured include the sites of old battles, labor strikes, and political demonstrations, but many of the spaces are simply gravesites, some known but many almost forgotten. They memorialize a diverse range of historical figures, from known labor leaders like Joe Hill to lesser-known figures like Mother Jones and Eugene V. Debs. This vast range serves to remind us that history is often written by those in power, causing countless others who contributed equally, if not more, to fade away into obscurity.

Gianvito's camera work is firm and calm, portraying these historical locations with a quiet reverence that commands respect. The cinematography and editing are minimalist, creating a meditative atmosphere throughout. Comparatively, the soundscape of the film — a mix of natural sounds from gusting winds to chirping birds — serves as a haunting reminder of the impermanence of life and captures the essence of the title; a ‘whispering wind'.

Alongside the ambient sound design, the film also incorporates a soundtrack that consists primarily of traditional folk and protest songs. The soundtrack provides a historical and emotional context to the images on screen and furthers the invocation of bygone eras. Even without any spoken dialogues, the real stories of resistance, struggle, and victory are told through the careful juxtaposition of land, music, and some amount of text.

This is not a history lecture or a character story. Instead, John Gianvito presents us with a collection of visual elegies that speak to the viewer in almost spiritual terms. The narrative unfolds not linearly, but thematically and visually, building a dialogue between present and past landscapes, opening a space of reflection for the viewer.

Profit Motive and the Whispering Wind explores American radical history from a unique and seldom-seen perspective, reinforcing the notion that our history is not defined solely by the powerful and elevated, but also by the ordinary people who dared to rebel against the status quo.

This visual journey takes us through America's tumultuous history in a way rarely seen before. It is a piercing reminder of the fragility of memory, the perseverance of belief, and the importance of reflecting upon our past. The film ultimately delivers a hauntingly beautiful and silent tribute to the forgotten roots of American activism and resistance.

As such, this film will assuredly attract viewers with an interest in history, sociopolitical issues, or unconventional film making. Moreover, it provocatively challenges us to look beyond the standard narratives and explore the often overlooked and obscure corners of our shared history. In its beautiful cinematography and resonant thematic depth, Profit Motive and the Whispering Wind serves as a poignant reminder of the many unnoticed heroes who have shaped our past and present.