As almost anyone who reads this site knows, we are at a critical point in human history, and I truly don’t think its hyperbole to write that we are utterly screwed if we don’t make some seriously smart choices regarding our environment in the next few years.
This conceit is the same tack that 11th Hour, the doc produced and narrated by Leo DiCaprio takes, and makes no bones about the destruction that humanity has wrought on the planet. The film looks at the whys and the wherefores, and I have to say, for the first 1/3 of the movie, I was sad and uncomfortable to be human. BUT though I can’t say I ‘enjoyed’ it, it was a comprehensive look at exactly the kinds of issues we’re facing. Going beyond global warming, the film documents and explains species’ extinction, the oceans crisis, deforestation and rainforest destruction, and how these are all connected to not just saving the planet, but ultimately saving us.
The second part of the movie is the search for how we are going to solve these problems, and it actually brought tears to my eyes (OK, I cried a bit during the first part too, out of frustration and sadness), but these tears were those of hope and excitement. Showcasing EXACTLY what humanity needs to do, how we need to do it, and how we need to change the way we think about, well, everything, the latter part of the film was nothing short of incredibly hopeful and forward-looking. Changes and more wholistic views of design, architecture, and business were highlighted of course (and readers of this blog or any of the other ‘green’ blogs will know about most of it and more already), but even better was the discussion, by all the amazing folks that got together to lend their perspectives to the film, about how we have to change the way we think about our relationship to our home planet. I won’t say much more, because even if you’re an enviro-head and think you know all this stuff you should definitely go see this movie. It’s nothing short of a call to humanity to save itself.
My favorite quote? “This is all hands on deck time.”
My fave fascinating fact from the movie? There are twice as many people on the planet now as there were when JFK was president (from about 3 billion to about 6 billion). You know, I just didn’t realize that before. The idea of it is a little mind-blowing.
From the official promotions for the film:
The 11th Hour describes the last moment when change is possible. The film explores how humanity has arrived at this moment – how we live, how we impact the earth’s ecosystems, and what we can do to change our course. The film features dialogues with experts from all over the world, including former Soviet Prime Minister Mikhail Gorbachev, renowned scientist Stephen Hawking, former head of the CIA R. James Woolsey and sustainable design experts William McDonough and Bruce Mau, in addition to over 50 leading scientists, thinkers and leaders who present the facts and discuss the most important issues that face our planet.
If you go to the site, you can put your zip code in and they will give you info about where you can see the movie near you. If you’ve already seen it, I’d love to hear what you think!
For another perspective, check out Eco Chick blogger Olivia’s review on the Huffington Post.
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08/22/07 » 8:25 am »
Good post. I was actually luckily enough to go to the LA premiere for my company 2 weeks ago. I got to met Leonardo and some other celebrities but the best part was meeting Ray Anderson. His message was clear, any business or anybody can be sustainable. I actually work for his sister company and its the first time I get the chance to meet him.
The best part of the movie to me is when it says the time for action is now because we don’t have all the time in the world. However, the Earth does and if we don’t take care of our world we would perish but the Earth can always revive itself. It has done so for the last 4.5 billion years.
08/23/07 » 9:07 am »
Blue Sky Mining » TH Blog Love - Our Favourite Greens Of The Week
[...] Eco-Chick: The 11th Hour, A.K.A. Leo’s Movie! by Starre Vartan “Going beyond global warming, the film documents and explains species’ extinction, the oceans crisis, deforestation and rainforest destruction, and how these are all connected to not just saving the planet, but ultimately saving us.” [...]
08/23/07 » 10:24 am »
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If someone can get me in contact with Leonardo Dicaprio, I swear we will avoid the final hour that could destroy this world.
I have been gaining big ground recently in my work, each division of what I do. If I could speak with this man who seems to take such an interets in the world, with GEB everything can change.
Ryan
08/23/07 » 3:26 pm »
The site was actually rich in information. The trailer scared the ever lovin crap out of me. I may have to see this, even though the horror genre (not) isn’t my cup of tea. Thanks for the post. Shannon
08/25/07 » 12:19 pm »