An Inconvenient Truth
2006. Documentary. Directed by Davis Guggenheim.
"Separating the truth from the fiction and the accurate connections from the misunderstandings is part of what you learn here. But when the warnings are accurate and based on sound science, then we as human beings, whatever country we live in, have to find a way to make sure that the warnings are heard and responded to."
There is a moment in An Inconvenient Truth, a documentary following Al Gore's passionate road-trip slide show on Global Warming, where Gore compares human beings to an animated frog. If a frog jumps into boiling water, it will immediately jump out. But, he continues, if the frog jumps into luke warm water that is slowly heated, it will stay there until... - at this point we see the water boiling and know the frog's end is near - "it is rescued." An animated hand reaches in at the last minute and pulls the frog out. "It's important to save the frog," Gore says to an entertained but now informed audience. Gore's approach to the whole topic follows this path. He informs us with great skill using tons of knowledge, graphs, and charts. He entertains us and yet he always sees that hope for change. It is not too late, but the longer we wait to really start changing our habits, the harder the change will be and the more damage we will do along the way. This is a film that should be seen and though it is enjoyable, it should be seen for substance not style. It should be seen no matter where you stand politically. Some may argue with some of the points, but to dismiss the whole argument is to completely turn your back on science and jeopardize the future of our children. Gore backs up his points well and some of the information he graphs out for us is both fascinating and depressing. The end credits, in between telling you the names of those involved with the film, throws out bits of info on what you personally can do to make a difference. It is also interesting to note that the company that made this film calculated the contributions to global warming involved in making the film (things such as travel and accommodations) then offset their emissions with renewable energy credits. The dvd contains a 30 minute update from Gore of changes and new scientific research since the completion of the filming that should be viewed as well.
My grade: A-
"Separating the truth from the fiction and the accurate connections from the misunderstandings is part of what you learn here. But when the warnings are accurate and based on sound science, then we as human beings, whatever country we live in, have to find a way to make sure that the warnings are heard and responded to."
There is a moment in An Inconvenient Truth, a documentary following Al Gore's passionate road-trip slide show on Global Warming, where Gore compares human beings to an animated frog. If a frog jumps into boiling water, it will immediately jump out. But, he continues, if the frog jumps into luke warm water that is slowly heated, it will stay there until... - at this point we see the water boiling and know the frog's end is near - "it is rescued." An animated hand reaches in at the last minute and pulls the frog out. "It's important to save the frog," Gore says to an entertained but now informed audience. Gore's approach to the whole topic follows this path. He informs us with great skill using tons of knowledge, graphs, and charts. He entertains us and yet he always sees that hope for change. It is not too late, but the longer we wait to really start changing our habits, the harder the change will be and the more damage we will do along the way. This is a film that should be seen and though it is enjoyable, it should be seen for substance not style. It should be seen no matter where you stand politically. Some may argue with some of the points, but to dismiss the whole argument is to completely turn your back on science and jeopardize the future of our children. Gore backs up his points well and some of the information he graphs out for us is both fascinating and depressing. The end credits, in between telling you the names of those involved with the film, throws out bits of info on what you personally can do to make a difference. It is also interesting to note that the company that made this film calculated the contributions to global warming involved in making the film (things such as travel and accommodations) then offset their emissions with renewable energy credits. The dvd contains a 30 minute update from Gore of changes and new scientific research since the completion of the filming that should be viewed as well.
My grade: A-
posted by Keith Allison at 1:34 PM
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