Manufactured Landscapes
Manufactured Landscapes is a documentary directed by Jennifer Baichwal about how Edward Burtynsky creates his photographs (2006).
The film is stunning—visually beautiful and non-judgmental. The subject matter is very serious, but the filmmakers don't push an agenda. They simply show the world as it is, giving you plenty to think about. Our world is developing rapidly: population and consumption are growing, and globalization has become an inseparable part of life, reaching even the most remote corners. We're not really ready to give up the benefits of progress, but it's important to see what other consequences come with it. And this isn't about global warming—it's about the sheer scale.
The photos in the film were taken in different countries, but mostly in China.
In the United States, the film shows landscapes left behind after industrial mining.
In China, they're building the world's largest dam, which will flood entire cities. Residents have to dismantle their own homes brick by brick.
The dam is still under construction; in a few years, it will be complete.
In Bangladesh, ships are brought here to die, and are dismantled for scrap by hand. It's dangerous work—few workers live past 30.
Despite having many nuclear power plants, most of China's electricity still comes from burning coal.
Chicken processing.
Old computers, scrap metal, tires, and other junk are sent from all over the world to China for recycling, where it's all taken apart by hand using chemicals.
United State, oil fields.
Photos by Edward Burtynsky — edwardburtynsky.com
Highly recommended—the film is visually stunning. I think it's available on Netflix.
Tags: movies
