[1][2][3][4][5] Harris spent 15 years creating this short time-lapse film, which depicts Manhattan as a living entity.
Completed in 1975, it's noted for its portrayal of New York City during its earlier period and is considered a precursor to Godfrey Reggio's Koyaanisqatsi (1982).
The film employs time-lapse photography to convey a sense of continuous movement, presenting the city as a dynamic force of energy and renewal.
The city's escalators, streets, railroad lines, shops, markets, bridges, beaches and parades are seen as parts of a delicately balanced living structure.
[3][8] Critics notes upon the first views in 1976: "most recent evidence of film genius are privileged to see reality in a new way ... the trip we have experienced is an incredible mind-expanding one of beauty .." (Previews -February 1976)[2] "it never moves ... to a conclusive theoretical statement, nor does it vary anything technically " (The Booklist- March 15, 1976)[2]