Powaqqatsi and The City of Ember Comparison It is a natural human philosophy to act like others in the environment we are living in. Some people may feel if one does not conform, they will be looked down upon by others. The movie Powaqqatsi directed by Goddfrey Reggio shows many scenes of how people's actions within a community revolve around conformity. The book The City of Ember by Jeanne Duprau, also shows many examples of a society that is set in its ways. Both works of art represent the idea that people follow others, instead of following their own beliefs. How do people in varying societies conform? People in different societies may conform by working diligently. In Powaqqatsi, it begins by showing a large group of miners working hard …show more content…
One of the scenes in Powaqqatsi showed two men meditating. They were sitting down with their legs crossed and their palms were facing towards the sky. They looked peaceful and were clearly praying to a higher power; possibly a God. As the scene progressed, the camera showed more and more people praying in the same way. By praying and showing this respect, they were pleasing their God and following their peers. The way the people in Powaqqatsi pleased their God(s) is similar to the way the civilians in The City of Ember follow and please the mayor of the city. When things were going poorly for the city, like the blackouts from the deteriorating generator, Mayor Cole called a town meeting and everyone gathered in the square. They listened intently to what he had to say, and followed his directions; following a higher power. Lina, Doon’s best friend, soon finds out that the Mayor is corrupt and is stealing food from the town. Although Lina knows of the Mayor’s true character, she must still follow his rules. If Lina were to go against the higher power, others will look at her as an outcast, since she would not be conforming or following everyone else. There are different reasons why people follow their leader in societies, whether it be by force or by belief; these different reasons still lead to