An Inconvenient Truth a Documentary About Earth
It was 1:15 PM when I decided to go to a movie and the movie showing next at 1:30 PM was “An Inconvenient Truth” a documentary about Al Gore and his campaign to save the planet.
My expectations were low about what I would see. I figured, a politician by trade, we see a few of them on TV, like Joe Scarborough. More of the same!
I was killing time; the wife was off with one of my daughters; I had finished my cores; what the heck!
The theater is a comfortable little theater with two screens. It is part of a “chain” of two theaters; the other of which is famous for its showings of “A Rocky Horror Picture Show” each week, forever!
I bought a large container of popcorn and a diet soda. There is contradiction in that purchase somewhere!
I found a nice comfortable seat near the front. I sat down and even before the movie started I had my expectations dashed. People will do that to you from time to time.
I should have known when I got in a line for a one thirty movie. They never have lines, never!
I was not alone. The theater wasn’t filled but there were a lot of people for an early flick on a Saturday. Most were older folks but a lot were not. There was even a smattering of kids. It was more like an afternoon outing.
Oh yes this is supposed to be a review of the film.
Paramount Classics and Participant Productions present a film directed by Davis Guggenheim
I was a bit surprised to see the Paramount name in the credits; though it is Paramount Classics, the connection to the studio I do not know. The director of this documentary is Davis Guggenheim whose father was apparently one of the all time greats of documentary making.
This film is a documentary and thus really has no star as such. The film follows the meanderings of Al Gore as he provides a human face to a complex problem.
One fear that many may have is that the film is a campaign tool. It barely mentions politics except just enough to provide context.
The photography is stunning and every camera nut needs to see the film if only to observe some of the most spectacular film one can see.
The main story line with this film is about the issues around global warming and the legitimate science behind our current understanding. In this area Al Gore is both knowledgeable and witty. He makes a point that the problems we face don’t belong to the politicians of any party, but are the peoples.
He puts a human face on the issues both by giving the stories of his son and his older sister; and by giving the stories of the people currently feeling the effects of the changes.
In addition to some of the best visual photography to be seen there are some excellent uses of cartoon characters to make specific points.
No animals are hurt in the making of this film but one does get a bit of a scare.
One surprising element of this film is the amount of humor in the telling of the story. The presentation of the facts is done in a light and very memorable way.
Any smart corporate presenter will come to see this film if only to see the excellent use of presentations to make a point.
Independent of folks political viewpoints, this film provides a first class lesson in the current state of the planet as relates to global warming and a bit of old time humor along the way.
I found the film to be educational, funny and entertaining. The music was very well presented. The use of cartoons was excellent. The stories of Al’s son and sister were enlightening, well told and revealing. The political components were short and provided appropriate context. The story, though frightening, was provided with examples of how we overcame similar problems in the past. There was a real sense of hope. The film is suitable for all ages and the dialogue is interspersed with sufficient cartoons and visuals that children of all ages (1-101) can be kept interested.
It is a must see for anyone who is or wants to be a speaker or presenter. The techniques and the understated way complex information is presented and made understandable I haven’t seen since Carl Sagan passed on.
My recommendation is that everyone should see the movie. If, due to political hang-ups, you feel you shouldn’t, just wait till it comes to the dollar theater near you or TV. Then you won’t feel any guilt when you sneak a peak. The photography in the film will be best seen in a real theater if that’s why you go.
The movie will leave you with a lot to think about. That’s my take.
