Spring Break
Eco-friendly Earth will dazzle but overwhelm
Issue date: 4/30/09
As thematically grim as it may be, the film is undoubtedly beautiful. The camera soars over the Sahara Desert and captures aerial shots of Mount Everest. The audience is led through the jungles of the Amazon, down waterfalls and up mountains, following nature's creatures as they migrate for the change of seasons. Various birds of paradise grace the screen, displaying their beauty and prowess in attracting mates. A cheetah bounds after its prey, exercising every muscle it has. Slow-motion shots ensure that no moment of the action, whether it involves animals or not, is missed.
On a mechanical level, the film works seamlessly. The editing is spot-on and the sound is perfect. Actor James Earl Jones provides the voice of the narrator, and his deep, reassuring sound grounds the film and provides it continuity from scene to scene.
Every camera angle is fantastic and the documenters employ a variety of techniques that are impressive to the audience. For example, many scenes are shown in fast-forward, at rates much faster than real time speed. Such seamless execution of these scenes is indicative of a high level of dedication and expertise that surrounds every aspect of the film.
Thematically, though, the film encounters problems. A nature documentary should not contain an overarching, human-imposed theme, and it is because of this that Earth becomes bogged down in tiresome narrative quips and repetitive scenes.
Multiple references are made to the ever-increasing amount of ice caps that are melting every year, and the film is sure to point out the implications of such an event. The very theme of the movie - migration and climate change - lends itself to a discussion on global warming. The father polar bear would not have been forced to scavenge for food so desperately if his environment had not been ruined. Instead of pointing the viewer towards the spectacles of nature, all too often the film points its own finger at the audience in accusation.
Perhaps it is telling that the film was released on Earth Day (April 22, 2009), a date on which groups worldwide attempt to raise awareness on environmental issues. Such an agenda is fitting in some circumstances, but its tone was not suitable for a Disney-produced film showcasing the wonders of nature.
The filmmakers could have created a documentary strictly about life on earth and the bad effects of increasing temperature would have been self-evident. As it stands, the imposed eco-friendly theme detracts from an otherwise jaw-dropping experience.
On a mechanical level, the film works seamlessly. The editing is spot-on and the sound is perfect. Actor James Earl Jones provides the voice of the narrator, and his deep, reassuring sound grounds the film and provides it continuity from scene to scene.
Every camera angle is fantastic and the documenters employ a variety of techniques that are impressive to the audience. For example, many scenes are shown in fast-forward, at rates much faster than real time speed. Such seamless execution of these scenes is indicative of a high level of dedication and expertise that surrounds every aspect of the film.
Thematically, though, the film encounters problems. A nature documentary should not contain an overarching, human-imposed theme, and it is because of this that Earth becomes bogged down in tiresome narrative quips and repetitive scenes.
Multiple references are made to the ever-increasing amount of ice caps that are melting every year, and the film is sure to point out the implications of such an event. The very theme of the movie - migration and climate change - lends itself to a discussion on global warming. The father polar bear would not have been forced to scavenge for food so desperately if his environment had not been ruined. Instead of pointing the viewer towards the spectacles of nature, all too often the film points its own finger at the audience in accusation.
Perhaps it is telling that the film was released on Earth Day (April 22, 2009), a date on which groups worldwide attempt to raise awareness on environmental issues. Such an agenda is fitting in some circumstances, but its tone was not suitable for a Disney-produced film showcasing the wonders of nature.
The filmmakers could have created a documentary strictly about life on earth and the bad effects of increasing temperature would have been self-evident. As it stands, the imposed eco-friendly theme detracts from an otherwise jaw-dropping experience.
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Maria Simon
posted 8/04/09 @ 1:28 AM EST
I love to see nature at its best! awesome. I'd like to share a "going green" graphic with you. I hope it brings a smile to someones face.
http://www. (Continued…)
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