Koyaanisqatsi—minus the fast-and-slow speed-shifts—is the closest point of comparison for this unique exploration of the work of photographer Edward Burtynsky. Burtynsky specializes in rendering “industrial landscapes,” colorful and bizarre man-made locations that are products of the global economy. Filmmaker Jennifer Baichwal probes his choice of material by showing areas he has photographed in China. The result is either hypnotic or slow-going, depending on the viewer’s take of the material. Although the film could have used a bit more about Burtynsky himself, Baichwal does succeed in conveying some of the photographer’s concerns about the ways in which industrialism affects the poor, and Manufactured Landscapes serves as an excellent introduction to his arresting photographs.

Shelf Talk: Although this National Film Board of Canada production is essentially an arthouse feature, its environmental message links it to such eco-docs as An Inconvenient Truth. Its green message is delivered in an esoteric fashion, but its connection to the enviro-mainstream is reinforced by a supplement in which Al Gore presents Baichwal with a film-festival award. Target art lovers who have “gone green.”