Babies

The innovative documentary, Babies, released in 2010, is an experimental franchise that offers an intriguing glimpse into the earliest stage of human life. Meticulously filmed by the acclaimed director Thomas Balmès, the documentary explores the transcendental journey of infant development from birth till toddlerhood, in four different parts of the world. The film is an unerring blend of sweeping scenic vistas, coupled with the intimacy of a newborn's first step, first word, and first smile.

Babies revolves around the formative first year of four infants named Ponijao, Bayarjargal (referred to as Bayar), Mari, and Hattie, each hailing from different corners of the globe. These infants become the film's unscripted 'stars,' as it impeccably traces their multi-faceted development whilst painting an engaging portrait of the thriving cultural environments they grow up in.

Filmed across a span of two years, the documentary's vehement attention towards minute details of infant behavior makes it a compelling watch. Balmès seems to rely heavily on visual storytelling, as the film's narrative remains nearly dialogue-free. The director's objective is not to pass judgments or assert cultural superiority, but to observe and reflect upon a universal human experience through a variety of cultural lenses. Shots are competently framed, with every glance, giggle, or whimper resonating with the audience.

The film's first baby, Ponijao, hails from Opuwo, Namibia. Her days are immersed in a traditional Himba tribal environment, which authentically displays her embedded cultural values. Ponijao's life untouched by modern technology is starkly contrasted with Tokyo's bustling cityscape, where the second baby, Mari, is introduced. Mari's babyhood unfolds within the compact urban quirks and technological conveniences of modern Japan.

Stepping into the spacious Mongolian steppe, we are introduced to Bayar, who lives in a small yurt with his pastoral family. The serene vastness of Bayar's open landscape provides a stark contrast to Hattie's domestic arena in San Francisco, where she is raised in a cozy and safe environment amidst a multitude of baby books, music classes, and safety gadgets. Every child's life in their respective regions vividly presents a unique spectrum of the expansive human experience, forming the crux of Babies.

This film, in its essence, documents the universal thread that runs through the lives of these four individuals, irrespective of their different cultural environments. Primarily, it's about the basic and common human experience - being born, exploring our bodies, learning to communicate, discovering our environment, and loving and interacting with our families.

Captivating the audience with a simple yet profound exploration of neonatal development, the movie successfully shatters stereotypes and assumptions regarding child-rearing practices around the world. It underscores the immense adaptability of human life deriving from our shared experiences.

While Babies is an experimental documentary, it is not devoid of personality and drama. The simplicity of everyday life, from a baby's perspective, is full of discovery, experimentation, and momentous achievements. This profundity is vividly captured and celebrated, creating an engaging impression on the audience.

Several unexpected humorous moments are effectively scattered throughout the film. Balmès’ filming style is neither intrusive nor restrained, resulting in the capture of authentic surprises. Moreover, the movie is not only enlightening for its anthropological exploration but also soothing with its portrayal of innocent and pure moments of life’s earliest stage. The soundtrack, a typical blend of tribal rhythms, hums, and lullabies, further enhances these serene moments.

In conclusion, Babies provides a cinematic journey through four diverse cultures while grounding itself in the universal experience shared by all humanity. Unprejudiced and visually arresting, the movie is a veritable microcosm of human life observed from its earliest possible vantage point. A testament to the universality of human emotions and experiences transcending geographical boundaries, Babies, accumulates various vignettes of infancy to form a compelling portrait of humanity's humble beginnings.