Review for The Body

Wow! What a head trip. Even if, like me, your interest in ‘The Body’ has been stirred by the prospects of a Roger Waters soundtrack, you’re in for a whole host of mind expanding surprises.



Made in 1970, this so-called study of the human body is less scientific than it is philosophical. In fact I’d go so far as to say it’s a full on existential work-out. Beautifully shot and featuring not only an excellent and imaginative soundtrack (Roger Waters and Ron Geesin) but an intelligent narration from Vanessa Redgrave and Frank Finlay, with additional commentary by poet and playwright, Adrian Mitchell.



Broadly speaking the film traces the body from birth to death – almost literally in one stunning tracking shot featuring an endless parade of naked humans ranging from birth to late nineties. 


At the time of its release, some of the photographic techniques used had rarely been seen before and some of the more intimate body-shots caused something of an outrage. (Remember children – this was during the pre-Embarrassing Bodies era before we became used to watching tight close ups of hemorrhoids and swollen testicles whilst eating our tea).


Much of the cinematography here is stunning even by today’s high-definition standards and the hippyish abandon that accompanies many of the group scenes make for grimly compelling viewing. 


It’s not an easy watch. Seeing the way that disabled children were dealt with in 1970 is positively disturbing and shows how far attitudes have changed (for the better) since that time. You’ll also be subjected to a very graphic birth scene with the camera placed at the very heart of the action.


And although it lumbers from one crazy idea to another (a blind girl letting an old man put his hand on her heart for example) it works it a completely mad way. Before you know it it’s all over and you’ll be left ruminating on what it was all about – which is surely the Director’s intent. 


One of the extra features (the others being a trailer and image gallery) is an isolated score featuring the soundtrack album. I remember buying a strange looking copy of the album on cassette in Turkey in the early 1980’s along with the Floyd soundtracks to ‘More’ and ‘Obscured by Clouds’ (from ‘The Vallee’) and being really curious about the film which rarely, if ever, airs on television.


Including the isolated score is a touch of genius. It’s a most welcome extra, giving you the time to ruminate on the head trip of having watched ‘The Body’ with just the soundtrack for company. (Network have done a similar thing with the release of the highly excellent ‘Forbush and the Penguins’ film which also includes a music suite that is a delight to listen to after the emotional journey of the film.). It’s the kind of extra that is well worth having and another reason to get hold of this really quite excellent documentary.


The soundtrack itself is a mix of quirky body noises (Ron Geesin was famed for his use of real effects) and Roger Waters lilting acoustic meanderings with occasional (and distinctive) vocals. Whatever the case, hardened Floyd fans who already have the album will (like me) be keen to hear the music in context within the programme. It all fits perfectly, burps and gurgles and all. With titles like ‘More than Seven Dwarfs in Penis Land’ and ‘The Womb Bit’ seeing the film always did seem like an intriguing prospect!


It’s also worth noting that this edition of the film is completely uncut (the original was heavily censored) and is a sparkling new transfer from the original film elements in its original aspect ratio. 


Another fantastic release from the fine folk at Network. They just keep giving!