Review of An Inconvenient Truth (2006) by Adam K — 05 Nov 2010

Yes, I know everyone else saw this documentary four years ago, but I just got to it. I came in with neutral expectations: I believe global warming is real and that our planet is in grave danger, but I also wasn't quite ready to worship at the altar of Al Gore. My opinion of the film reflects this, I suppose.

The science and the logical arguments are strongly woven, solidly supported, and elegantly expressed. Counter arguments are presented and obliterated. Gore's scientific, argumentative point of view makes it almost impossible to argue against the reality of global warming, and his point that the environment is a moral, not a political, issue is brilliantly stated.

Normally, with a work so loaded with science and fact, I'd be yearning for a human story to connect with. But in this film, I actually found that part intrusive. I was distracted by frequent shots of Gore, staring pensively out a window, pontificating about the fragile Earth. I get it. He cares about the Earth. Shots like this, though, made me realize that An Inconvenient Truth is not so much a documentary on global warming as it is a documentary on Al Gore's crusade to stop global warming. A fine distinction, but one that prevents this film from being wholly effective.