The Coal Country documentary is a masterpiece. It entails a fascinating investigation of the environmental, societal, and political effects concerning coal mining in Appalachia. As a matter of fact, the film pays attention to the removal of the mountaintop (Boelte, 2015). It is well documented that mountaintop removal is a procedure where mountains are razed by explosives so that extractors and other agencies can reveal the coal exposed in mountain tops.
The film director has perfected his art as the documentary sends a strong environmental message vis-à-vis the damage caused by this type of exploration. The Coal Country film clearly states that mountaintop removal process should not exist because it introduces detrimental effects in the society (Boelte, 2015). Throughout the film, we are exposed to the opinions and thoughts of the industry insiders and coal miners, who expresses what they think about this type of coal extraction.
The documentary also proceeds to reveal the harmful effects of coal mining on the local communities. The political structure has derailed the economic development in the affected region so that locals can solely depend on coal mining to support their desperate livelihoods. As a result, residents of Appalachia region remains extremely poor, as the environment is crumbled down by coal mining because of the excessive release of carbon dioxide into the environment (Boelte, 2015).
The Coal Country documentary also supports and empowers activities which have been opposing the process of mountaintop-removal mining. It is ironical that the local community did not want to hear the opinions of the activities who opposed this type of coal extraction. They thought that if it was stopped, they could not be in a position to earn some amounts to sustain the needs of their families. The activities are considered outcasts and the local residents has made a decision to avoid interacting with people of such kind.
The Coal Country film is a vivid footage that depicts how big mountains are blown up with explosives. As the events unfold in the film, the audience is distressed. The producer also included an exceptional soundtrack, comprising the musical works of John Prine, and Gillian Welch (Boelte, 2015). The soundtrack is particularly meant for complimenting the shocking images of the mountaintop-removal process. The exceptional film is a must-see for persons who are interested in conserving a healthy ecosystem, as well as promoting economic justice and climate change.
The Coal Country documentary narrates about the dramatic struggle associated with the usage of coal in the entire America. Basically, Coal mining in Appalachia region sustains than half of the electricity consumed in the United States. The process of coal mining has deepened the conflicts between the miners and residents of this region (Boelte, 2015). It is clear that coal mining destroys the environment as the land, water, and the air is affected by harmful elements from the explosives.
The idea of the producer to include the voices of the executives, engineers, and miners of the Big Coal Lobby has created a rift because of suspicion and fear. But on the other hand, the viewers are persuaded by the concerns from the interviewees, an aspect that makes the film outstanding. The employees as well as residents that feel that the mountaintop-removal affects their life are ready to share their stories as demonstrated in the documentary.
The producer of the film applies a systematic and deliberate fashion that makes the film brilliant. It takes the audience on a spectacular journey from the state of coal-fired electricity to the taking out, meting out, transportation, and the scorching of coal. The breathtaking footage in the film is outstanding because of its ability to capture the attention of the spectators who develops the urge to stick to the screen and watch events unfolds in the documentary.
In conclusion, the Coal Country documentary depicts the harmful effects that result from unregulated coal-mining. The exposure to the airborne toxins, streams, and dust can damage the state of health of the local community and other involved persons. This type of mining is causing a permanent loss of the ecosystems as no one seems to care. The film has played a critical role in sensitizing people of the negative effects of coal mining. It raises the need for more activities and other agencies to protest the Coal mining in Appalachia.
References
Boelte, K. (2015). Movie Review Friday: Coal Country - The Green Life. Retrieved from http://sierraclub.typepad.com/greenlife/2009/10/movie-review-friday-coal-country.html
