Images of ongoing climatic change and warnings of unparalleled destruction are relieved by welcome moments of well-placed humor as Former Senator and popularly-elected President Al Gore presents a compelling and convincing case for the immediate need to confront the issue of Global Warming in "An Inconvenient Truth".
From evidence set forth in scientific measurements to scene after scene of current real-life effects of warming, the crisis is made obvious to anyone willing to so much as listen or open their eyes. The presidential candidate who once was accused of being "too stiff" is shown to be a man of passion, purpose, and surprising comedic timing. Yet, there is no doubting the seriousness of the issue, which is driven home again and again as statistical findings and photographic revelations should make apparent to any remaining skeptics the magnitude and proximity of the Global Warming problem.
Although the film at times shows "Al Gore the lecturer" presenting to audiences around the world, director Davis Guggenheim does a skillful job at alternating to film footage from across the globe where effects of Global Warming are now so clear. Quality editing further elevates "An Inconvenient Truth" from a standard- if crucial- science lesson to a work of artistry and popular appeal, as well as obvious importance.The use of a variety of media and references to multiple fields of study provide viewers with perspectives of the issue on from any level of intellectual understanding and for any preferred learning style.
The looming threat of mass melting in Antarctica and Greenland was a particularly disturbing scenario, in which tens of millions worldwide would face displacement or death from rapidly rising sea levels, but it is just one of many such thought-provoking and heart-wrenching climate change events. While there is plenty of blame to go around- from Chinese coal burners and American automakers to careless consumers and self-serving politicians everywhere, Gore does not dwell too long on the question of how we got into this mess. His purpose is to build awareness and to offer possible solutions- and despite all the warnings of impending doom, he manages to inspire strength and hope in viewers by the film's end.
"An Inconvenient Truth" (PG) is a film I would recommend for all. I would like to see it shown to families, schools, churches, and workplaces everywhere. It may be one of those rare movies that you truly cannot afford to miss, not because of a great car chase or a hot love scene, but because the future of our planet is at stake today.