An Inconvenient Truth: Al Gore's compelling film on Global Warming

[irishgrl]

Gore's 'Truth' is highly watchable

By Claudia Puig, USA TODAY
Al Gore's 40-year-long passion on the subject of global warming shines through powerfully and lights up An Inconvenient Truth (* * * 1/2 out of four).

What could have been mired in political rhetoric or techno-speak is instead illuminating, fascinating and sometimes frightening. A thought-provoking cautionary tale that is also lively and entertaining, An Inconvenient Truth showcases the dedication, warmth and, yes, charm of the former vice president.

By delving into Gore's personal tragedies and setbacks (the near-fatal accident of his son, his sister's death from lung cancer and his oh-so-close loss of the 2000 presidential election), director Davis Guggenheim reveals an Al Gore who is admirably resilient. After his loss to George W. Bush, Gore chose not to retreat, instead hitting the road on a mission to inform the world about the peril the planet is facing.

Gore's commitment to reversing global warming had its origins in his student days at Harvard and continues as he takes his multimedia show (a blend of scientific data, startling photographs, statistics, cartoons and humor) all over the USA and abroad.

Gore's point is a simple one: We have a moral imperative, as individuals and as a nation, to do something about global warming, the dramatic, precipitous rise of world temperatures in the atmosphere, on land and in bodies of water, caused by greenhouse gases.

Gore has a gift for making scientific data digestible, understandable and intriguing. He is so consumed by the subject and impassioned in his efforts to change minds that it is hard not to get caught up in his fervor.

Though there is a bit of quasi-deification in Guggenheim's rapturous directing style, Gore deflates the attempt at hagiography. With his down-to-earth communication style and darkly humorous asides, he takes a deadly serious problem and makes it feel personal and, most important, fixable. Americans may be responsible for emitting 30% of the gases that cause global warming, but we also can be part of the solution, he insists. He stresses that this environmental condition is not a political issue, but a moral one.

Gore's exploration of "the collision between our civilization and the Earth" comes alive in this resonant, haunting and inspiring film. (Opens Wednesday in New York and Los Angeles. Running time: 1 hour, 40 minutes. Rating: PG for mild thematic elements.)


Good for YOU Al!

[Rickypt]

I'd like to see Al make another run for the presidency. He was against the war from the start and has been the strongest vocal opponent to Bush (of the mainstreams).

[David]

Gore's point is a simple one: We have a moral imperative, as individuals and as a nation, to do something about global warming, the dramatic, precipitous rise of world temperatures in the atmosphere, on land and in bodies of water, caused by greenhouse gases.Why don't they just drill "holes" in the greenhouse inversion & let the radiation escape?

Maybe there's a special type of Zyklon laser or something they could invent.

There is global warming right here where I live today. But much as a glass of scotch on ice helps in individual cases, you can't just drink global warming away.

But here's something each & every one of us can do ... today: PLANT SOMETHING GREEN. Just go to your nursery, buy a green thing, take it home & PLANT IT IN YOUR YARD. Let it grow & flourish. Water it, nourish it, give it warmth & love & let it grow. As you inhale oxygen & exhale carbon dioxide, that little plant will inhale your carbon dioxide & exhale oxygen! It's symbiosis!

[tynan88]

I hope Al is able to do some kind of international tour, I would LOVE for him to come here as there are so few mainstream public figures so passionate about global warming. I would love to see this film too, hopefully it is released on DVD as I doubt it will hit a screen out here.

[SmileAtU]

Cool, I kinda want to see this now.

What the heck is quasi-deification? lol.

[David]

What the heck is quasi-deification? lol.It means that the reviewer thinks the film's perspective of Gore, at least in places, is too worshipful.

[DrummerDeanna]

Interesting look at the art AND the science of the film from NPR's resident film critic and science correspondent!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5428154

[irishgrl]

Interesting look at the art AND the science of the film from NPR's resident film critic and science correspondent!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5428154
nice to see a decent review :nod:

[DavidMn]

Over 500,000 more votes than the other guy. That still sticks in my craw.

[macfanken]

Has anyone seen this yet? I saw it today, it was very good although it was a bit like sitting through a two hour power point presentation. Very interesting though, I definitely recommend it. Al Gore comes across as very intelligent, knowledgeable and articulate in this movie. It just KILLS me to contrast him with Dubya, a man who can barely speak a complete sentence. :distress:

[irishgrl]

Has anyone seen this yet? I saw it today, it was very good although it was a bit like sitting through a two hour power point presentation. Very interesting though, I definitely recommend it. Al Gore comes across as very intelligent, knowledgeable and articulate in this movie. It just KILLS me to contrast him with Dubya, a man who can barely speak a complete sentence. :distress:

you young folks are the only salvation for this country. If you dont speak up/get active, our fine country is going to go down the tubes... That so called "election" was a travesty. We CANT let that happen again.

[Brwn_eyes0511]

Al Gore comes across as very intelligent, knowledgeable and articulate in this movie. It just KILLS me to contrast him with Dubya, a man who can barely speak a complete sentence. :distress:

True.. however Gore is still a man who is trying to push a sham onto the public with this film. So, IMO, that sort of kills the "very intelligent knowledgeable" thing. :shrug: :p

[macfanken]

you young folks are the only salvation for this country. If you dont speak up/get active, our fine country is going to go down the tubes... That so called "election" was a travesty. We CANT let that happen again.


Can you imagine Dubya writing a book or making a movie? :lol: I didn't realize that Gore has traveled to Antarctica, the Arctic and the Amazon to study global warming, he's also been traveling around the world, speaking about global warming. He has my vote if he decides to run for President again.

Btw, have you read the new Rolling Stone article about the 2004 election? I think what happened in 2004 was worse than the 2000 election.

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/10432334/was_the_2004_election_stolen

[macfanken]

True.. however Gore is still a man who is trying to push a sham onto the public with this film. So, IMO, that sort of kills the "very intelligent knowledgeable" thing. :shrug: :p


yeah, global warming is a sham... you could be a scientist for the Bush administration. :laugh:

[BombaySapphire3]

True.. however Gore is still a man who is trying to push a sham onto the public with this film. So, IMO, that sort of kills the "very intelligent knowledgeable" thing. :shrug: :p
So i guess in a couple more decades when they start selling ocean front property in Atlanta you'll be denying that global warming exists as you begin to grow gills?:laugh:

[irishgrl]

True.. however Gore is still a man who is trying to push a sham onto the public with this film. So, IMO, that sort of kills the "very intelligent knowledgeable" thing. :shrug: :p

Brandon, Im going to give you a chance to explain what you mean because if you think there's no such thing as global warming.........ITS ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Brwn_eyes0511]

Brandon, Im going to give you a chance to explain what you mean

no thanks! ;)

[SuzeQuze]

Can you imagine Dubya writing a book or making a movie? :lol: I didn't realize that Gore has traveled to Antarctica, the Arctic and the Amazon to study global warming, he's also been traveling around the world, speaking about global warming. He has my vote if he decides to run for President again.

Btw, have you read the new Rolling Stone article about the 2004 election? I think what happened in 2004 was worse than the 2000 election.

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/10432334/was_the_2004_election_stolen

Oh god, I have to read that when I have more brain cells to devote. I think what spoke volumes about his character was Gore went right down to NOLA to help out. He wasn't even in charge. I always perceived him as smart and compassionate which somehow was lost on the general public. I think the demo advisors were ****. He did not really speak like I know he can. Trying to play to some middle or something. Some fictitious group.

In any event he won the popular vote and he would've made a damn good president IMO. I hope the momentum from this film is good. I would love to see him run again, on his own terms, without listening to some "advisor" who doesn't really know what is in the hearts and minds of the people.

[macfanken]

no thanks! ;)


Haha! Well, that's no fun!

[Brwn_eyes0511]

yeah, global warming is a sham... you could be a scientist for the Bush administration. :laugh:

Eww.. no why would I want to do that! One of the worst administrations since well Clinton! (Yes you heard me correct).. No long a Republican.. no way no how!!!!!!!

Both Democrats AND Republicans are f*cktards!

I was going to switch to independent but at the 11th hour I changed my mind.. libertarian all the way! The best of both worlds! :D

[SuzeQuze]

Eww.. no why would I want to do that! One of the worst administrations since well Clinton! (Yes you heard me correct).. No long a Republican.. no way no how!!!!!!!

Both Democrats AND Republicans are f*cktards!

I was going to switch to independent but at the 11th hour I changed my mind.. libertarian all the way! The best of both worlds! :D

:lol: Oh my how you've grown. :xoxo: I love it.

[macfanken]

Oh god, I have to read that when I have more brain cells to devote. I think what spoke volumes about his character was Gore went right down to NOLA to help out. He wasn't even in charge. I always perceived him as smart and compassionate which somehow was lost on the general public. I think the demo advisors were ****. He did not really speak like I know he can. Trying to play to some middle or something. Some fictitious group.

In any event he won the popular vote and he would've made a damn good president IMO. I hope the momentum from this film is good. I would love to see him run again, on his own terms, without listening to some "advisor" who doesn't really know what is in the hearts and minds of the people.


Hopefully, in 2008, the American people will vote for someone because he or she is actually qualified and competent to be President... instead of voting for the candidate they would "like to have a beer with".:distress:

[irishgrl]

Can you imagine Dubya writing a book or making a movie? :lol: I didn't realize that Gore has traveled to Antarctica, the Arctic and the Amazon to study global warming, he's also been traveling around the world, speaking about global warming. He has my vote if he decides to run for President again.

Btw, have you read the new Rolling Stone article about the 2004 election? I think what happened in 2004 was worse than the 2000 election.

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/10432334/was_the_2004_election_stolen
no, I will have to give it a look-see......but, it might make me mad and Im not sure I want to go there (again!) I already know the last two elections were rigged......so: Ken, should I read this? or should I consider my blood pressure?:shocked:

[irishgrl]

Oh god, I have to read that when I have more brain cells to devote. I think what spoke volumes about his character was Gore went right down to NOLA to help out. He wasn't even in charge. I always perceived him as smart and compassionate which somehow was lost on the general public. I think the demo advisors were ****. He did not really speak like I know he can. Trying to play to some middle or something. Some fictitious group.

In any event he won the popular vote and he would've made a damn good president IMO. I hope the momentum from this film is good. I would love to see him run again, on his own terms, without listening to some "advisor" who doesn't really know what is in the hearts and minds of the people.
all of which SOUNDS good, but IMO, when the country finally wakes up to what they COULD have had (instead of what they were swindled into accepting) the mess is gonna be so HUGE, no SANE person is gonna want the job! :nod:

[irishgrl]

no thanks! ;)

COWARD!!!!!!

[Brwn_eyes0511]

COWARD!!!!!!

Nah.. just not interested.. :shrug: ;)

[irishgrl]

Nah.. just not interested.. :shrug: ;)

you make a statement/take a position and you arent interested in defending it? :shrug:

[macfanken]

no, I will have to give it a look-see......but, it might make me mad and Im not sure I want to go there (again!) I already know the last two elections were rigged......so: Ken, should I read this? or should I consider my blood pressure?:shocked:


Well... it's probably not going to tell you anything you don't already know but it puts it all in a nice (long) article. There is a section that compares the exit polls to the actual election results that I found VERY interesting. There is one county in Ohio where the exit polls and the election results varied by such an exceptionally large amount that an expert calculated the chances of that happening were 1 in 3 BILLION!!!

On second thougth, it might raise your blood pressure. :lol: Have a glass of wine or something before you read it! haha!

[Brwn_eyes0511]

you make a statement/take a position and you arent interested in defending it? :shrug:

nah, not really.. :sorry: :angel:

[irishgrl]

nah, not really.. :sorry: :angel:
do you EVER have a reason for saying the stuff you do or are you just regurtitating old info?:shrug:

[Brwn_eyes0511]

do you EVER have a reason for saying the stuff you do or are you just regurtitating old info?:shrug:

Actually it was just supposed to be a cute response to Ken's post.. but I figured you would jump in.. but I didn't think about that until after I made the post!

1. I have my own opinions about "global warming" and its "causes"

2. I don't care to explain it or debate it here.. period

3. It was just a response to one post and that was all it was SUPPOSED to be.

;)

[irishgrl]

Actually it was just supposed to be a cute response to Ken's post.. but I figured you would jump in.. but I didn't think about that until after I made the post!

1. I have my own opinions about "global warming" and its "causes"

2. I don't care to explain it or debate it here.. period

3. It was just a response to one post and that was all it was SUPPOSED to be.

;)

REALLY??? Did you think I wouldnt jump in in my own thread? What're you smokin/Drinkin?

[amber]

Hopefully, in 2008, the American people will vote for someone because he or she is actually qualified and competent to be President... instead of voting for the candidate they would "like to have a beer with".:distress:
Is it okay that I'd like to have a beer with Al Gore while talking about serious environmental problems and their solutions? :woohoo: Phat.

[Brwn_eyes0511]

REALLY??? Did you think I wouldnt jump in in my own thread? What're you smokin/Drinkin?

Pot.. I'm a Libertarian now.. remember! :woohoo:

[amber]

Pot.. I'm a Libertarian now.. remember! :woohoo:
Have you seen the film? I read a review today that says he piles on so much evidence, with photos to back it up (ie, everything is melting) that even the most moronic would have trouble refuting his point. So, if you refute his point, you are below the most moronic. And if you refute it without seeing the film, you are officially an amoeba. Ooops, A Libertarian Amoeba. Smoke some pot and go see it, the pics of Polar Bears trying to find ice to hunt on, and the fabled Snows of Killamanjaro being reduced to a light dusting will look really cool. Not to mention Glacier Park in...Montana? Having practically no glacierness left. Seriously, it will be killer!!!!

[Brwn_eyes0511]

I read a review today..

.. really, come on!

[amber]

.. really, come on!
Um, the reviewer saw the film. It's okay.
If you saw it, you would be without a leg to stand on. Unless you were a moronic amoeba, in which case, I expect to hear more of the same.

[Brwn_eyes0511]

Um, the reviewer saw the film.

you're being serious about this? seriously? :laugh:

i read a review of gigli too.. they said it was the best thing they had ever seen! it's true! i mean it must be!

btw.. i never denied global warming.. i just have some issues about its supposed "causes" is all.

[macfanken]

Is it okay that I'd like to have a beer with Al Gore while talking about serious environmental problems and their solutions? :woohoo: Phat.


yeah, that's cool... just don't vote for him because he'd make a good drinking buddy! haha!

[amber]

you're being serious about this? seriously? :laugh:

i read a review of gigli too.. they said it was the best thing they had ever seen! it's true! i mean it must be!
Oh, I forgot, you are totally lame. You see no logic or reason. Sorry, my bad.
Just for your future reference, you know the reviewers look at the content of the film right?
S'okay, redhead, you'll burn first.

[Brwn_eyes0511]

Oh, I forgot, you are totally lame. You see no logic or reason. Sorry, my bad.
Just for your future reference, you know the reviewers look at the content of the film right?
S'okay, redhead, you'll burn first.

and your lameness just drips from anything you have ever posted! especially in the last few minutes when you jump on me for having "not seen it" and then you turn around and make a bold statement about the TRUTH of the film and you start it all off by saying "i read a review.."

i almost spit out my diet coke.. it was one of those moments.

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/bebetiziano/lucy7.gif">

[SuzeQuze]

Hopefully, in 2008, the American people will vote for someone because he or she is actually qualified and competent to be President... instead of voting for the candidate they would "like to have a beer with".:distress:

I would've prefered to have a beer with Gore over the chimp from the beginning. I never saw the "personality" that everyone spoke of, just some phony front. :shrug: But I know you know what I'm talking about.

People just didn't use their heads when they voted. It would be great if someone qualified and competent runs, wouldn't it?

[amber]

and your lameness just drips from anything you have ever posted! especially in the last few minutes when you jump on me for having "not seen it" and then you turn around and make a bold statement about the TRUTH of the film and you start it all off by saying "i read a review.."

i almost spit out my diet coke.. it was one of those moments.

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/bebetiziano/lucy7.gif">

Good point, dude. You are sooo right! Sorry I troubled you with expert opinions on the movie. Have a good night! Thanks for joining us! :wavey: :wavey:
It's nice I made you laugh. Sorry for all the lameness of all my posts.

[irishgrl]

People just didn't use their heads when they voted.

I voted for Gore :shrug:

[estranged4life]

I would've prefered to have a beer with Gore over the chimp from the beginning. I never saw the "personality" that everyone spoke of, just some phony front. :shrug: But I know you know what I'm talking about.


I would rather not drink any beer (Which I abhor anyways) with any living politician...Ben Franklin would be the only political figure I would like to ever have a conversation with.


People just didn't use their heads when they voted. It would be great if someone qualified and competent runs, wouldn't it?

Oh, I used my head when I voted years back in that 2000 BS election...Voted for neither Bush nor Gore.

Only voted for FrankenKerry (Herman Munster's less educated twin brother) because of my like for Edwards, but also because of the disappointment in that the whiny Demo-God political party (My beloved wife, A diehard lifelong Democrat voted for republican this past election) accomplished having an Independent candidate removed from the OK presidential ballots.

However, I noticed something...When a Republican is in office great angst rebellion driven music comes to the forefront (ie Reagan years=Thrash metal years) whereas when a Democrat is in office lame ass trendy bandwagon music dominates (ie-DMB=Tree hugger tye dyed hippiedom, where's my barf emoticon???). So as long as Chimp-puppet stays in office great music will return.

[estranged4life]

quit farting aloud than here would not be a threat of global warming, so PLEASE tighten those butt cheeks before letting out that deadly WMD, ok?