A low key documentary that pokes gentle fun at Hollywood and it's flair for tall tales riding alongside it's tenuous connection to the "truth" of the old West. DETAILS ABOUT THE MOVIE (SPOILERS? IT'S NOT REALLY THAT KIND OF FILM) : This entertaining documentary is not primarily focused on the actual chicanery of movie making, instead it reveals the sometimes sobering facts surrounding some of the decisions made in how these films were framed--amidst a variety of short clips featuring many of the genre's heroes. A glaring example of the usual Hollywood manipulation is their use of "wild" animals and plant life (even locations) in their films that actually hail from other environments and territories. Unfortunately, in far too many cases this choice was driven by the gravely endangered status of the wildlife that should have made their Hollywood debut--even Bison were so rare that they couldn't find enough to film. In contrast, Westerns as a genre helped keep other species--and skills! alive long after their utility in "real life" had passed.
Of course being photogenic helps--and yes, in some cases, a different--if inaccurate species was chosen for film just for their "looks". Hollywood is so superficial!--even when it comes to their rivers. You'll know what I mean when you watch the documentary. On the other hand, this substitution is a sad reminder of our ongoing failure to face reality when it comes to our impact on the environment.
Not about the actors, nor the art of film-making, or production, this movie focuses on the role of plant and wildlife that we have learned to identify with the old West thanks to the "magic" of movies. Even the lowly tumbleweed has it's moment. Yet this eye opening exploration is done with quiet humor and isn't at all preachy or "in your face". There is no deliberate emotional manipulation here, just a pleasant stroll across a specific theme in history--with an important underlying message; one I think, that aims to more change your world view than evoke outrage or guilt--we are part of the world. What we do has consequences; and even entertainment has consequences while being shaped by what has gone before. They don't come out and TELL you any of this, not in so many words, but the message is quite clear. Don't get me wrong though, it's quite enjoyable and entertaining to watch. To me this film is the existential equivalent of that morning cup of coffee--it wakes you up without catapulting you out of bed.
The major point being made is that more often than not these cinematic choices were driven by our own impact on other species and the environment as Europeans expanded across the American continent. These imacts--deliberately or inadvertant were felt even in the wide open spaces and sparsely populated Western Prairies and deserts.
It's an evocative theme, and one that will help the viewer contemplate the wide ranging impact of these issues--even on something as benign as popular entertaimment. I do fully endorse this film and would like to see it viewed more widely. The only reason my score isn't higher is because I'm not sure if perhaps the message is a bit TOO low key. On the other hand, it won't scare off those who shy away or roll their eyes whenever the words "environmental impact" are spoken. Don't think of this as an "educational movie" or a propaganda peice though, it's neither of those things (at least in the traditional sense)--it simply does what any good story does--it "shows" you and lets you draw your own conclusions. I will add that much of the history I gleaned from this film took me by surprise--and I believe that is actually the point.
Of course being photogenic helps--and yes, in some cases, a different--if inaccurate species was chosen for film just for their "looks". Hollywood is so superficial!--even when it comes to their rivers. You'll know what I mean when you watch the documentary. On the other hand, this substitution is a sad reminder of our ongoing failure to face reality when it comes to our impact on the environment.
Not about the actors, nor the art of film-making, or production, this movie focuses on the role of plant and wildlife that we have learned to identify with the old West thanks to the "magic" of movies. Even the lowly tumbleweed has it's moment. Yet this eye opening exploration is done with quiet humor and isn't at all preachy or "in your face". There is no deliberate emotional manipulation here, just a pleasant stroll across a specific theme in history--with an important underlying message; one I think, that aims to more change your world view than evoke outrage or guilt--we are part of the world. What we do has consequences; and even entertainment has consequences while being shaped by what has gone before. They don't come out and TELL you any of this, not in so many words, but the message is quite clear. Don't get me wrong though, it's quite enjoyable and entertaining to watch. To me this film is the existential equivalent of that morning cup of coffee--it wakes you up without catapulting you out of bed.
The major point being made is that more often than not these cinematic choices were driven by our own impact on other species and the environment as Europeans expanded across the American continent. These imacts--deliberately or inadvertant were felt even in the wide open spaces and sparsely populated Western Prairies and deserts.
It's an evocative theme, and one that will help the viewer contemplate the wide ranging impact of these issues--even on something as benign as popular entertaimment. I do fully endorse this film and would like to see it viewed more widely. The only reason my score isn't higher is because I'm not sure if perhaps the message is a bit TOO low key. On the other hand, it won't scare off those who shy away or roll their eyes whenever the words "environmental impact" are spoken. Don't think of this as an "educational movie" or a propaganda peice though, it's neither of those things (at least in the traditional sense)--it simply does what any good story does--it "shows" you and lets you draw your own conclusions. I will add that much of the history I gleaned from this film took me by surprise--and I believe that is actually the point.
