DVD Reviews

An Inconvenient Truth

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Former Vice-President of the United States and ex-presidential candidate Al Gore gives a lecture and technologically-enhanced slideshow on the impending effects of global warming on our already strained atmosphere. Just like the best teacher you've never had, Al Gore is passionate, charming and relentlessly informing; which is a good thing, as An Inconvenient Truth is essentially him speaking for an hour and a half, armed only with the aid of digital projections and a wealth of knowledge on this political hot-cake of a subject. What we have here are hard facts, told by a man who has been fighting for this cause his entire life. We also get to delve slightly into Gore's personal life, as well as see a somewhat surprisingly self-effacing and humorous nature " I used to be the next president of the United States, I don't find that particularly funny" as well seeing what drives him (e.g. an accident almost kills one of his children in the late '80s, giving him some much needed perspective.) This is an alarming piece of work that fully understands the underestimation that many people will treat it with. Therefore, it unfolds as such - slowly informing us through innovative CGI and numerous charts, just exactly what the world is coming to. Crucially, it is never preachy or pretentious which is always a hidden danger with documentaries of this sort; but Gore in no way pointing fingers over who is to blame, merely encouraging us all to do our bit, as he is doing his. While it may be hard work for some, it is never less than hugely involving. Gore proves to be an articulate and warm host, and leaves us to ponder just how different the world would be if they had kept counting votes in Florida six years ago. An almost indescribably important piece of documentary filmmaking that everyone should see.

Review by Mike Sheridan