Review of Gasland (2010) by Jacob G — 18 Nov 2011

Whenever my geology professor mentioned fracking, he was against it. While the class I took with him predates this movie, it realizes a lot of his fears. It is one thing for people to hear about contaminated ground water and negative environmental effects, it is another to see them on screen and to hear the stories of those who are being affected.

The cynic in me wants to dismiss this movie as propaganda... as a biased political statement. However, between my prior knowledge on the topic (thank you Dr. Price), and my acknowledgment that the people who make money off of fracking are also the ones who have reason to hide, I fear that everything here is ringing all too true.

Bolstering the film are candid interviews with authorities. I would have liked to see more than there are, however, the ones which are here are very effective.

For a documentary about a hot-button issue, Gasland feels more genuine than most. It doesn't try to be preachy. It lets people talk for themselves. And it points the finger at the government for dismissing those already effected and not doing anything to protect those who could or will be effected.