The Velvet Queen

Pseudo-philosophical commentary and a score by Warren Ellis featuring Nick Cave accompany us on an expedition into the ferocious landscapes of the Himalayas. The former is sometimes distracting and on rare occasions quite fitting. The latter is nothing the composers haven't done before, but it suits the material so well that they are easily forgiven.

Pretty soon - whilst staring in awe at the knockout imagery - La Panthère des Neiges induces a rare sense of repose. Only to be immediately shifted toward ceaseless anticipation. We don't see it, but it sees us. It's a riveting experience to scan each frame for signs of the creature, and every discovery - whether or not concerning the panther - is an exhilarating treat.

This film is not a documentary with any explanations. It is a quiet appreciation of the earth and the animals. And if the animals start to bore you, there are plenty of majestic landforms to be observed as well; rock fall, soil creep, braided floodplains and peaks of stone shooting up into the sky. It takes our breath away as if we were there with them - at that elevation...

La Panthère des Neiges is best viewed in cinemas - if possible. The talking might start to annoy you but every image is a work of art. Let's not lose our touch with nature - ever.