Film Reflection #1- Disruption

The movie Disruption explores how the Earth’s climate is currently being disrupted. Kelly Nyks and Jared P. Scott directed the film, and it is a PF Pictures production. The film, which was released in 2014, was funded and distributed by the international climate campaign 350.org. The filmmakers want people to know that climate change is scientifically backed up and has devastating effects. Throughout the the film, the central questions being posed include: what is climate change, how does climate change connect to social inequalities, and why is it important to come together in solidarity to fight climate change? This film may benefit people who either do not think climate change is real or people who acknowledge that climate change exists, yet do not think it is a pressing or important issue. Also, people who are isolated from the harsh effects of climate change, such as suburb communities, may benefit from watching this film. Although many people may hold the mindset that they have other more seemingly urgent issues in their life to deal with, this film clearly outlines how climate change should be a priority for this generation. In response to this movie, people could feel motivated to make positive changes to their daily lives, to their communities, and to how we function as a society.

Moreover, the film Disruption effectively covers a vast amount of information in a concise time frame, giving glimpse into the history of environmentalism, the science behind climate change, the negative effects of climate change, and the unequal society of today. Throughout the film, there is momentum building towards the climate rally and march in New York. The film emphasizes how the science behind climate change has been around for a long time, with the knowledge of the greenhouse effect and rapidly increasing CO2 levels being understood since the 20th century. Although the effects of climate change- typhoons, fires, extreme weather- has been affecting everyone, the impacts are not evenly distributed. We live in an unequal society, in which those least responsible for climate change- low income communities and people of color- disproportionately suffer the burdens of climate change. And even though there have been previous conventions bringing together nations, the leaders have struggled to produce feasible plans. There has to be international cooperation to find solutions to climate change. The film points out how people from all different backgrounds came together in solidarity to fight against the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. This film underlines the importance of recognizing our responsibility to protect the earth for our children and coming together in solidarity. At the end of the film, the climate march finally happens, and the film focuses on the importance of each and everyone taking steps to help the climate.

Along with covering very important content, the film uses specific techniques to effectively convey its message concerning the disruption of our climate. The use of all capital, large letters covering the screen immediately captures the viewer’s attention. Initially, the audience is hooked by the bold words “the world hasn’t ended but the world as we know it has.” Throughout the rest of the film, the bold words are used to describe how many days are left until the climate march. The film includes many clips from extreme weather events, like floods and fires. Often, these clips are presented with dramatically fast music, leading to an intense mood. Several times, the camera zooms in, focusing on the facial expressions of the people affected by these disasters. When the experts are discussing climate change topics, there are illustrations, diagrams, and graphics that are drawn onto the screen, which helps to support the idea they are explaining.

In conclusion, the movie’s content and techniques effectively conveys the anthropogenic causes of climate change, the magnitude of climate change’s effects, and the social and political connections of climate justice. Personally, the film evoked many emotions in me. Firstly, the film created a feeling of fear for me. The effect of just a few degrees increase on the earth scares me. Even if leaders reach their goal to only have the global temperature increase by 2 degrees, there will still be significant impacts on the world. And if there were to be a 6 degrees increase in temperature, civilization as we know it will not be possible, which is a frightening thought. I was also scared when the film mentioned how we are on major “tipping points,” with the ice caps, arctic methane, and the ocean acidification issues. The film also evoked feelings of surprise. I was shocked to discover just how quickly humans have changed the Earth’s atmosphere. The CO2 levels in the air are 400ppm, which is a 40% increase since the pre-industrial levels. Additionally, I felt emotions of empathy and sadness associated with the clips of natural disasters. Yet, the countdown until the march and then the march finally happening gave me hope for the future.

Reference

Anon. n.d. “Disruption: Climate. Change.” Disruption: Climate. Change. Retrieved January 25, 2019 (http://watchdisruption.com).