Movies by Michael Betancourt presents a trilogy of movies [Year (2003), Telemetry (2003-5) and Prima Materia (2005) ] that dramatically visualize things usually left unseen. This collection contains 45 movies organized into two modular groups (Year and Telemetry) and one long single work, creating 70 minutes of complex, layered visual abstraction.
I just received my letter from the Iowa Arts Council. They will be funding an installation of my video/microwatt broadcast piece Reception/Transmission in the spring of 2006.
"Telemetry" is exhilarating and gorgeous. This video reminds me that abstract film and video, when it is made at this kind of high artistic level, is dramatically gripping and keeps me on the edge of my seat. The shortness of each section left me always wanting more, which in itself is an effective dramatic strategy. Betancourt has a subtle eye and ear for balancing simplicity and complexity into a satisfying composition. Just as the eye begins to feel the need for a fresh challenge, one appears: stationary rectangles begin to drift, or established spatial relationships are disrupted. He also uses the black background space effectively to highlight and frame the action. "Telemetry" is a thrilling vision of cosmic dynamism and balance.
