Meaning:
The quote by Godfrey Reggio touches on the filmmaker's decision to create movies without words due to his perception of the state of the language. This statement reflects Reggio's deep concern and dissatisfaction with the state of modern language and its ability to effectively communicate and convey meaning.
Reggio's sentiment suggests a profound reverence for language and its power to convey emotions, ideas, and experiences. The phrase "not for lack of love of language" indicates that Reggio holds language in high esteem and recognizes its potential as a means of expression and communication. However, his choice to make films without words highlights his belief that the current state of language is inadequate or compromised in some way.
The assertion that "our language is in an enormous state of humiliation" conveys a sense of disillusionment and disappointment with the way language is being used and perhaps misused in contemporary society. This can be interpreted as a critique of the degradation or misuse of language, possibly in the realms of politics, media, or popular culture. Reggio's perception of language as being in a state of "humiliation" suggests that he views it as being disrespected, devalued, or misrepresented.
The decision to create films without words can be seen as a response to this perceived degradation of language. By eschewing verbal communication in his films, Reggio seeks to circumvent the limitations or distortions of language that he perceives in the world around him. This creative choice reflects his belief that language, as it is commonly used, may not be capable of effectively capturing or conveying the depth of human experience and emotion.
Reggio’s approach aligns with a broader movement in the arts that seeks to transcend language and verbal communication in order to access more primal, universal forms of expression. By utilizing visual imagery, music, and non-verbal storytelling techniques, Reggio endeavors to create a more direct and visceral connection with his audience, bypassing the potential shortcomings of language as he sees it.
In essence, Godfrey Reggio's quote reflects his deep concern for the state of language and his decision to respond to this concern by creating films that circumvent the limitations he perceives in verbal communication. His choice to make films without words is a deliberate and thought-provoking artistic statement that challenges conventional notions of language and communication, inviting audiences to engage with his work on a more elemental and intuitive level. Reggio's films serve as a testament to the enduring power of visual storytelling and the potential for non-verbal forms of expression to transcend the constraints of language.