Jones+Russ+Film+Annotation+IV+(The+Forest+for+the+Trees)

Russell Jones Sustainability Problems Film Annotation IV


 * In the film //The Forest for the Trees,// directed by Bernadine Mellis and released in 2006, the story of the court case between Judi Bari and the FBI is portrayed as well as the Judi Bari’s career as a member of activists group Earth First. The argument of the film is that the FBI falsely accused Judi Bari of being a terrorist against the United States of America. The film draws out the problems between the government and activists groups standing against the corporate world and government for the environment.
 * The most compelling parts of the film were the images of the car-bombing that nearly killed Judi Bari and another activist. Dennis Cunningham’s, the defense attorney representing Judi Bari, closing statement was compelling as he highlighted the importance of the constitution and how the FBI abused it within their accusation of Judi Bari as a terrorist.
 * The parts of the film that were not compelling, however were humorous, were the scenes that Bernadine Mellis included highlighting her father and his team of lawyers. The team was a interesting group to watch, helping to give the film a lighthearted side for the viewer’s enjoyment. The film encourages many to look up more information on FBI investigations in the past. However the film encourages me to find out more information on how the logging industry can be influenced to perform their work in a contained fashion in order to cut down on the damage to our natural environment.
 * The film best addresses high school students who have an interest in environmental protection as well as environmental law. This film would not have as much of an effect on changing the way viewers view environmental problems as much is would have an effect on the manner in which viewers view the FBI. Viewers could view the FBI as an organization that does not follow the constitutional and the laws of investigation as they should. The wrongful accusation of Judi Bari as a terrorist and the fallout from the bombing would convince the viewers to have skeptical sentiments about the FBI.
 * The film suggests intervening through reorganization of the FBI as well as stronger environmental legislation protecting the redwood forests of the Western United States. In order to enhance the films environmental education value, the film could highlight how far back the deforestation would have to cut back in order to have sustainable redwood environments. The film could also highlight manners in which alternate materials could be used to replace redwood. There was not much scientific fact within the movie. The film is not very balanced as it leans toward the side of Judi Bari and does not convey the perspectives of the FBI. The film does include images the enroll the viewers emotions however it does not preach to viewers.