Documentary shows the ‘truth’ can hurt

By Leo D. Rommel

Lights, camera, take action!

The topic of global warming is in full swing in An Inconvenient Truth, an entertaining, fact-filled look at the consequences the dilemma may have on the world. The movie is quick to point out that 57 percent of scientists question whether global warming even exists; this film supports the other 43 percent.

Global warming is very much a reality. It is caused by humans and their actions and mankind must take immediate action to halt and reverse the trend. If we do nothing, in about 10 years the planet may reach a “tipping point” and begin a downward slide toward the utter obliteration of our civilization. After that, it would be too late for any action. The events featured in the film The Day After Tomorrow wouldn’t be so far-fetched anymore.

These are the facts stated by Al Gore. Forget he ever ran for office. Consider him a fretful man speaking out on rapidly approaching catastrophe. It’s hard to imagine how anyone can sit through it and not be profoundly affected. After all, like all movies, the film has its share of villains and victims. The catch is, the audience plays both roles.

The film lacks excitement, it’s supposed to. The facts presented fill the drama quota. The documentary shows Gore on a stage before a vast screen, in front of an audience; much of the movie is based on a speech he has been giving repeatedly since Bush knocked him from the depths of the White House.

Gore shows the famous photograph “Earthrise,” taken from space by the first American astronaut, followed by later space photographs that clearly display how glaciers are lessening, snow is melting and shorelines are diminishing.

An Inconvenient Truth provides statistics: the 10 warmest years in history were in the last 14 years. Japan is setting records for typhoons. South America experienced its first hurricane. Speaking of hurricanes, remember Katrina? She went from a Category 3 to a Category 5 within minutes. You can thank global warming for that.

Then Gore explains the chief cause of global warming: the burning of fossil fuels. Humans are taking energy stored over hundreds of millions of years in the form of coal, gas and oil, and releasing it carelessly into the air.

I know what you’re thinking. A lackluster president-wannabe talking about the environment — how mind-numbing. But mark my words, this film is anything but. Gore uses words, images and an array of facts to build a film that is fascinating and relentless. You have to see it to understand.

Students will probably toss their beer can on the curb before seeing this film at the Bart Luedeke Center Theater next week.

Afterward, they’ll run out and pick it up. I guarantee it.