There has been so much hype about global warming. This important issue regarding climate change has both perplexed & threatened humanity. Almost every institution, individual or anyone concerned has voiced out their concern regarding this alarming situation. Campaigns of different sorts has been staged in an effort to reduce global warming to fair levels. One of the most important medium in increasing awareness regarding the issue will be through film. The latest of this venture is the Leonardo DiCaprio produced documentary “The 11th Hour”.Spawned by the popularity of the Al Gore documentary “The Inconvenient Truth”, DiCaprio’s production efforts tries to reach out to the populace to do something about global warming. However, both documentaries will always be compared & sad to say, DiCaprio’s will always pale in comparison.
I believe that “The Inconvenient Truth” is more credible as compared to the “11th Hour” which appears to be a congregation of environmental scientists from different countries. It looks like a commissioned UN Environmental Programme report. Different personalities appear each time in the film which makes you forget who said which & what. However, notable personalities make a mark in this film like David Suzuki whose lines are really inevitable & gripping. Suzuki’s remarks are peculiar. Things which were never said before by other environmentalists.
Golden boy Leonardo DiCaprio appeared on the film for around three or four times. This makes me wonder if it was really necessary to cast him as the narrator or hire others whou could sound more credible. I am not against DiCaprio. I am actually a big fan of the actor. But the film could have moved as it is even without DiCaprio appearing on the reels. The main fact that he produced the film is already a big contribution. Leave the narrating part to the experts.
Most of the explanations in “The 11th Hour” were already heard or seen at “The Inconvenient Truth”. That’s okay. But the bad part is on how it was explained in “The 11th Hour”. The discussion was quite technical & sort of delivered haphazardly which leaves viewers perplexed & sometimes unmindful.
If there was one thing that “11th Hour” was able to achieve it is most likely the imbibement of values on how to solve global warming. The scientists would often present general concepts regarding attacking the problem but managed to narrow down solutions into concrete examples or suggestions. Pieces of advice from market researchers, economists & environmentalists were stitched to come up with a desirable action towards improving the Earth’s environmental state. This is what was quite missing with ”The Inconvenient Truth” & ”The 11th Hour” was able
fill this gap.
“The Inconvenient Truth” is more gripping & awakening while “The 11th Hour” provides the actions that need to be done. Both are inevitable documentaries regarding protecting our planet. If you prefer a Hollywood inspired documentary go for “11th Hour”. Although I would fairly say that DiCaprio’s efforts could have gone better if he starred in a
global warming topic related story. That would be fiercer. Just like “Blood Diamond”. However, if you’re the one who prefers politically backed drama then pick up “Inconvenient Truth”.
Personally, I suggest “The 11th Hour” for secondary viewing. That is after you have watched “The Inconvenient Truth”. Both documentaries only say one thing & that is each of us must do our share in protecting our planet. Both efforts are remarkable & I salute DiCaprio for doing something worthy with his million dollars.
