An Inconvenient Truth

Movie: An Inconvenient Truth

Review:

I know, I know, my blog is "turning into a movie review place" - it's just because I use reviews as practice/fodder to keep me writing. I have a couple o' things on the way, this just happened to come along first.

Anyway, An Inconvenient Truth is a documentary starring Al Gore. In one way, it is a documentary about global warming, but more accurate perhaps is that it is a documentary following Al Gore's presentations on the subject. It is a filming of a presentation given, sometimes showing him talking, and sometimes showing the slides or videos he uses. Spliced in throughout this presentation are videos with voice overs, showing Gore on the road, in hotels, creating the presentation, and discussing personal reasons and reflections. These aren't necessary, but do add a nice touch - it makes the movie seem more like a movie and less like a videotaped lecture. Unfortunately, it's very easy to tell when it switches from his presentation to voice overs, which could peeve those who expect seamless editing.

Gore does present a very strong case, from demonstrating clearly that global warming exists and is linked to CO₂ emissions to showing that doubt of its effects are manufactured by the media and state. He does not give any alternative theories or viewpoints (if they exist...), but is convincing enough without mentioning any - he is speaking to persuade as well as inform. He was also shortwinded when mentioning how we can act to prevent global warming, but then again, his point is that we can act.

In general, Gore had 3 goals, which he definitely achieved. He spoke to inform us of the problem, and even a skeptic would be doubting their doubt after seeing this. He spoke to tell that the consequences of inaction are dire, and this was a very well covered section. His main point, though, was that there are many things we can do, reasons against them are weak if not nonexistant, and that they stem from apathy and ignorance. The title is his case in point, that politicians do nothing because people either doubt any problems or don't care. When people start to realize the issue, he argues, politicians can no longer ignore this inconvenient truth, and will have to act. With that in mind he made the film, and it was effective - it's well known, having won an Oscar, and is well done and convincing. Though this is by no means an answer, it has turned into an effective means of spreading word.

Flaws: Gore's manner of speaking, with his blatantly American speech and annoying pronunciation of a few words was a little annoying for a good part of the film, though it let up at the conclusion. Also, the interludes, although nice, could irritate some people - they aren't completely relevent.

Bottom line: It achieves its purpose to spread word and convince, and was well done to boot.

Rating: 8.6/10