Viewed in
2008
Premise
A documentary on Edward Burtynsky's photography on how human industrialization impacts natural landscapes.
Who should watch
Those who don't mind staring a lot of artworks. Also, those interested in how China's economic expansion affects the environment.
Thoughts
Some interesting stuff. The first shot was an eye-opening 5 minute tracking shot in which the camera moves through countless manufacturing lines in a gigantic factory. However, after that, I thought it meandered in the first half. The artwork and ideas were interesting, but not the documentary.
It got really interesting when it focused on the industrialization of China. Some of the footage was just mind-blowing and epic. At the same time, the filmmakers and Burtynsky's art were able to capture the humanity. I hope they do not repeat the same environmental mistakes that other developed countries have.
One valuable lesson I learned is we can't just give recyclables to random people. It's possible it may do more environmental harm in less regulated countries.
While the documentary was unfocused, I learned a lot. I got introduced to an interesting photographer, and I was exposed to the environmental aspect of China's impeding rise as a manufacturing superpower.
What I would change
Focused more on the China period of his art.
