By: Kristin Laird
In a 100 minute campaign commercial, Former U.S. Presidential candidate Al Gore discusses the damage humankind has heaped on itself in An Inconvenient Truth.
Gore approaches the abject situation of global warming. This film is a modified version of the multi-media presentation that Gore has been delivering around the world for quite some time now. Society is portrayed as the villain and the victim of this planetary meltdown.
With line graphs, bar charts, photographs, and a lame sense of humour, Gore provides evidence of the environmental deterioration that has resulted from problematic human behaviour. This educational campaign briefly challenges and debunks the myths associated with this worldwide epidemic. It’s designed to separate truth from fiction in order to destroy the mental roadblocks in the minds of naysayers.
Global warming causes a spin off of cataclysmic forces like hurricanes, tornados, and typhoons. Gore stresses that society can’t mindlessly continue along the path of the past. Maps of the world may need to be redrawn due to the horrendous consequences.
An Inconveinent Truth has an important message. However, it’s poorly delivered. The movie is a mix of personal montages and clips from political days of yore. It is heavily infused with political quips and clips. The movie’s sub sections contain personal snippets of Gore’s personal life.
This documentary has three protagonists: Al Gore, the earth, and the MAC Book Pro. At times the film reeked of corporate sponsorship. It was an extended adaptation of a MAC commercial. The gratuitous product placement was anything but discreet. Gore constantly has his laptop in tow with the Apple insignia all aglow.
Although it lacks convincing and interesting visuals, it certainly isn’t short of superficial shots of his former glory days. With the finality of the 2000 election he obviously needed a new cause to champion. The movie serves more as a political platform than it does as an important eye opener.
His crusade as an eco-warrior is somewhat contrived. His overly dramatic voiceovers come across as insincere. His corny sense of humour falls flat. Bottom line: Al Gore is a bore.
1 out of 4 stars
