8/10
A pretty interesting documentary about killer whales (orcas) in captivity and specifically taking aim at SeaWorld and the way it both mistreats the whales and endangers its own staff by putting them in the water with these humungous and sometimes unpredictable creatures. It was inspired by the 2010 death of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau at the hands (fins?) of the whale Tilikum, an orca who had a history of "being involved in" (whether he was responsible is up for debate) the death of two other humans. SeaWorld claims Brancheau's death was either her fault or the result of a whale's "playtime" that went wrong. The movie levels the much heavier allegation that Brancheau's death was not an isolated incident, that whales in captivity have a history of endangering humans, and that SeaWorld has a vested interest in sweeping those facts under the rug and continuing to endanger the lives of their staff to sell park tickets and Shamu dolls.
It's a good documentary, even if it has an agenda, although it's maybe lacking a certain artistry that would elevate it to a level beyond mere "National Geographic special". Lots of talking heads, lots of camcorder footage of whale attacks, and a few too many kitschy/ironic 90's SeaWorld "everybody's happy" commercials.
The subject matter is interesting if not revelatory - it's something everybody knows takes place, although it can be alarming to see the evidence the filmmakers have compiled all at once.
No comments:
Post a Comment