Jones+Russ+Film+Annotation+XII+(Coal+Country)

Russell Jones Sustainability Problems Film Annotation XII


 * //Coal Country// was released this year, 2010, and it was directed by Phylis Geller. The film argues that our countries dependency on coal as a fossil fuel is ruining the environment of Appalachia. The film highlights issues with over use of resources, pollution, business versus government, and destruction of environments.
 * The most compelling parts of the film are the images of the destruction that has occurred across West Virginia and other areas of Appalachia in order to remove mountaintops for coal. The least compelling parts of the film included narratives from Judy Bonds, as her explanations and actions were eccentric. The scene about her buying a rifle to protect her house from suspicious crimes was not compelling.
 * The film compels viewers to find more information on how to decrease their dependency on coal. It also encourages viewers to dig deeper into the issues between business and government; with the question of whether or not the government should be able to protect land owned by private corporations from being used for mountaintop removal.
 * The film best addresses other people of Appalachia. It is a great source of information on the issues surrounding mountaintop removal. It is a good film for middle school ages and up. The film suggests intervention by state governments creating laws that make mountaintop removal very difficult achieve. The film is educational in an introductory sense however there isn’t much scientific given during the film.