“Surviving Progress” is a doomsday documentary that is nice enough to offer a cure. The remedy is seemingly simple: We have to consume less. “We” as in First World People who are accustomed to taking too much. “Surviving Progress” presents a case that this addiction to consumption cannot be sustained and that civilization may turnout to be a failed experiment of which the Earth may soon wash its hands clean. I did use the word “doomsday” to describe the movie…
Based on the novel “A Short History of Progress” by Ronald Wright, the film’s scope is rather all encompassing. During the 90-minute running time we go over many topics that include the global economy, over-population, deforestation of the Amazon and bio-engineering. It is a lot to take in but laid out in an accessible format that seeks to educate and not just make you want to put a bullet in your head. Just in case though, keep the gun in the cabinet.
Some very smart people that make it easy to heed the warnings deliver the powerful message. Along with Wright we have Stephen Hawkings, Jane Goodall and Simon Johnson (of course I didn’t know who Simon Johnson was before watching “Surviving Progress” but I do want to sound at least a little bit like a I know what I’m talking about) preaching the cause. This is a talking heads format and each takes their turn to tell you what is going down.
What stood out for me is that much of these problems seem to stem from capitalism gone wild. I believe this is also known as “greed”. If you can sell it, there is a price tag on it and the ramifications are not considered. Also a startling point presented is that if a billion Chinese people actually adopt the wasteful ways of Western Civilization then the planet will not be able to sustain the shift. Remarkable stuff and very eye-opening. Of course no movie can make me an instant expert and I only have the “facts” presented by the film’s directors, Mathieu Roy and Harold Crooks. I do suggest you seek this film out as it is important viewing. Consuming less can be an individual decision but, of course, the challenge is in getting the other rest of the herd on board.
Martin Scorsese is listed as Executive Producer and I do not know the extent of his influence but I will say that “Surviving Progress” is beautifully shot. Cinematographer Mario Janelle gives the film a unique visual language that is captivating. I mistakenly thought that long time Scorsese collaborator Robert Richardson must have captured some of the images. Janelle shows us a beautiful world that no one would want to see destroyed.
Of course the film has a political slant that leans left in places but I would hope that everyone would give “Surviving Progress” a chance and glean from it what they will. One thing I do believe is that we need to stop making the future of our planet fodder to merely be argued about during debates. It is that stubborn approach that will only make matters worse. Despite what side of the aisle Chicken Little sits, the sky may well be on its way and we shouldn’t wait until the heavens ta us on the shoulder to believe him.