Watch Leaning Into The Wind

Leaning Into The Wind is a mesmerizing and contemplative documentary that invites viewers to intimately explore the art and philosophy of renowned British environmental artist Andy Goldsworthy. Directed by Thomas Riedelsheimer, who previously collaborated with Goldsworthy on the critically acclaimed Rivers and Tides, the film provides a unique glimpse into the creative process and inner world of a man who has spent over thirty-five years creating stunning, ephemeral works in the natural landscape.

The film follows Goldsworthy as he embarks on a series of new projects in diverse locations across the world, from rural Scotland to urban Brazil. Accompanied by his daughter Holly, who brings her own perspective as an artist and observer, Goldsworthy reflects on his deep connection to nature, his fascination with the cycle of life and decay, and his ongoing quest to express the ephemeral and the timeless through his works.

What makes Leaning Into The Wind such a compelling and immersive experience is its stunning visual poetry. Riedelsheimer's camera captures Goldsworthy's works with a sense of intimacy and wonder, lingering on the intricate details and textures of each piece while also exploring the broader context of the landscape and the elements that shape it. Whether he's carving a swirling pattern into a stone wall or scattering leaves across a forest floor, Goldsworthy's creations feel at once natural and otherworldly, evoking a sense of awe and reverence that transcends words.

Yet, the film is more than just a showcase of Goldsworthy's art. Throughout the documentary, he engages in thoughtful conversations with Holly and other artists and curators, reflecting on his own evolution as a creator and the broader cultural and social forces that have shaped his work. In one particularly poignant scene, he visits a forest that he first explored as a child and reflects on how his relationship with nature has changed over the years, from a sense of playfulness and curiosity to a deeper sense of interconnectedness and responsibility.

Perhaps what makes Leaning Into The Wind so resonant is its emphasis on process and impermanence. Goldsworthy's works are not intended to last forever – in fact, many of them are designed to decay or dissolve over time – yet they remain deeply impactful and poignant, challenging viewers to rethink their relationship with nature and the world around them. By showing us the journey that leads to each creation rather than just the end result, the film invites us to slow down, take a deep breath, and appreciate the beauty and transience of life.

Overall, Leaning Into The Wind is a spellbinding and meditative journey that celebrates the power of art to connect us with ourselves, each other, and the universe. It is a deeply reflective and immersive experience that reveals the profound humanity and poetic vision of Andy Goldsworthy, and invites us to see the world around us with fresh eyes. Whether you are a longtime fan of Goldsworthy's work or simply curious about the possibilities of art and nature, this film is a must-see.

Leaning Into The Wind is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 76.