Plagues & Pleasures is a top-notch social documentary with a cast of characters (and I mean characters) that will certainly keep movie-goers amused and engaged. But there is a substantial historical component to the film that hipper fans of historical docs will be drawn to, too. The Salton Sea itself was created by man by mistake, and evolved -- indeed, continues to evolve -- unlike any other conventional place. In fact, I could not help but think that this movie was recording the progress of some twisted, super-sized laboratory experiment that used real people, instead of mice. Trust me, this all makes for fascinating history. I highly recommend this film.
78 Reviews
When technology and dreams trump good sense
roland-10429 October 2005
A nice little documentary about one of the saddest of California dreams gone sour, the man-made (originally by using diverted Colorado River water) but now largely land-locked Salton Sea, in the desert northeast of San Diego. At its peak in the 1950s, the Sea beckoned thousands to buy lots, throw up vacation homes or trailers, or simply show up for weekends of fishing and partying. Since then, however, there's been a steady downhill spiral. In prior winters marked by heavy rains, the water level rose, flooding out some developed areas. In more recent years, the water level has gradually been receding.
Artificially introduced fish species go through cycles of over- and under-population. High water temperatures, declining oxygenation and resultant fish die-offs breed algae, which reoxygenate the waters and start the next cycle. Now there are only a few old timers left around, folks without the means to escape, to buy a home elsewhere. A handful of economically marginal younger families have moved in, attracted by cheap housing. The waterfront generally looks deplorable. The last remaining eatery of any consequence just closed.
The filmmakers spent over 3½ years shooting this movie. Besides learning the history, they got to know the remaining residents well and were accepted and trusted. It shows in the relaxed candor of people's comments. Trouble is, most of these people are rather dull, so it's hard to sustain much interest in what they have to say. The most intriguing thing about the Sea is contemplating its future. While he was alive, Congressman Sonny Bono, who represented the area, tried to attract federal resources to rejuvenate the Sea. Since his skiing death, that effort has gone astray.
The environmental issues are troubling. The Sea is shrinking in volume partially because of the recent diversion of inflow to nearby populated areas that in fact want even more water from this source. If the Sea is allowed to dry up, this will remove the last major marshy area available in southern California for migratory birds, who pass through by the millions each year. Moreover, alkali dust storms from a dry seabed could blow north to affect the ecology of Palm Springs. Sustaining the Sea in a manner that can control its high salinity and wildly variable fish and algae cycles will take resources that so far seem unlikely to materialize.
These environmental issues are only touched upon lightly in the version of the film I saw. Afterward, I spoke with co-director Chris Metzler, who was present for this screening (at the Idaho International Film Festival). He told me he has a longer version of the film that does explore these issues in greater depth. The challenge, he says, lies is balancing the interests of different target audiences: i.e., environmentalists versus people just curious about a funky place versus those with nostalgic ties to the Salton Sea (one such family, who regularly vacationed there in the 50s and 60s, was present at this screening).
Metzler says he has had trouble with distribution and even festival acceptances because reviewers think the film is too narrowly focused on a quirky, one-of-a-kind place. That's too bad. The Salton Sea story is really emblematic of many, many others all over the country where technology and dreams (and, often enough, greed as well) have trumped good sense (think of all the absurdly located developments along the Gulf Coast in the wake of Katrina, or the idiotic houses that schuss down the hillsides whenever it rains in L.A.). The film's website is: www.saltonseadoc.com. My overall rating: 7/10 ("B"). (Film seen on 10/01/05.) If you'd like to read more of my reviews, send me a message for directions to my websites.
Artificially introduced fish species go through cycles of over- and under-population. High water temperatures, declining oxygenation and resultant fish die-offs breed algae, which reoxygenate the waters and start the next cycle. Now there are only a few old timers left around, folks without the means to escape, to buy a home elsewhere. A handful of economically marginal younger families have moved in, attracted by cheap housing. The waterfront generally looks deplorable. The last remaining eatery of any consequence just closed.
The filmmakers spent over 3½ years shooting this movie. Besides learning the history, they got to know the remaining residents well and were accepted and trusted. It shows in the relaxed candor of people's comments. Trouble is, most of these people are rather dull, so it's hard to sustain much interest in what they have to say. The most intriguing thing about the Sea is contemplating its future. While he was alive, Congressman Sonny Bono, who represented the area, tried to attract federal resources to rejuvenate the Sea. Since his skiing death, that effort has gone astray.
The environmental issues are troubling. The Sea is shrinking in volume partially because of the recent diversion of inflow to nearby populated areas that in fact want even more water from this source. If the Sea is allowed to dry up, this will remove the last major marshy area available in southern California for migratory birds, who pass through by the millions each year. Moreover, alkali dust storms from a dry seabed could blow north to affect the ecology of Palm Springs. Sustaining the Sea in a manner that can control its high salinity and wildly variable fish and algae cycles will take resources that so far seem unlikely to materialize.
These environmental issues are only touched upon lightly in the version of the film I saw. Afterward, I spoke with co-director Chris Metzler, who was present for this screening (at the Idaho International Film Festival). He told me he has a longer version of the film that does explore these issues in greater depth. The challenge, he says, lies is balancing the interests of different target audiences: i.e., environmentalists versus people just curious about a funky place versus those with nostalgic ties to the Salton Sea (one such family, who regularly vacationed there in the 50s and 60s, was present at this screening).
Metzler says he has had trouble with distribution and even festival acceptances because reviewers think the film is too narrowly focused on a quirky, one-of-a-kind place. That's too bad. The Salton Sea story is really emblematic of many, many others all over the country where technology and dreams (and, often enough, greed as well) have trumped good sense (think of all the absurdly located developments along the Gulf Coast in the wake of Katrina, or the idiotic houses that schuss down the hillsides whenever it rains in L.A.). The film's website is: www.saltonseadoc.com. My overall rating: 7/10 ("B"). (Film seen on 10/01/05.) If you'd like to read more of my reviews, send me a message for directions to my websites.
A lively tour of a precious, endangered freak show known as the Salton Sea!
donebee29 September 2005
For months I'd been trying to catch this little gem of a documentary at several festivals until, finally, I saw it at the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival in Alabama of all places. It was well worth it! While John Waters' narration added an element of authority (well, in a non-authoritative, quirky way) to the film, it was the subjects in the story of this lost civilization that made it so unique. The co-directors cast their narrative well, carefully complimenting the more eccentric figures of the south side of town with the local park ranger (the voice of reason). The sideshow element was also highlighted, but well-balanced with equal attention paid to the gravity of environmental issues that exist in this rich community of outcasts. Personally, I yearn for more docs like this one - "small" films that take the viewer to places they normally wouldn't go, like Salton City. Places that exist just off the map, beyond the quaintness of Main Street and the repulsion of the Mall. I urge you: seek this film out and SEE it!
a strangely relevant and quirky film - well worth watching
danny_bigmouth18 May 2005
I've watched the Salton Sea doc twice. I enjoyed it on several different levels. It was an eerie and exceptional sociological document. It illuminated a quirky, interesting and little known part of California history. And it was timely as far as the decline (and the 'fashion') of support for environmental issues. The film resonated with me for several days after viewing. That's more than I can say for most. This is a unique and interesting film. A strange testament to the highs and lows of development, and the fighting fringey independent spirit of desert culture - it enhanced my perspective on the people of the region. It's well worth watching.
Quirky characters, hope, and the Salton Sea......
merklekranz1 January 2009
John Waters is used to dealing with odd characters in his often off-kilter films. It is very easy to imagine him directing one of his unusual movies at this fascinating location. The Salton Sea residents seem to have adapted to the fact that the areas recreational greatness may be only faded memories. Monumental fish kills and hundreds of dying birds, are testament to the ecological disaster which has become the current way of life. Water's interviews reveal the necessary adaptation made by most of the people who continue to live there. Whether the Salton Sea can ever be returned to it's past glory, is conjectural at best, but hope springs eternal in the small population of quirky characters living along the Salton Sea. - MERK
Great documentary on a little known part of the U.S.A.
miamifiveoh2 June 2005
Just a short time ago I did not even know the Salton Sea existed and after seeing Plagues and Pleasures I feel like I have been there. This film tells a very interesting story about a unique place in the U.S. "Rise and fall," as put by another reviewer, captures the situation of Salton Sea area well.
The story reminds me of a local area with a somewhat parallel story (Big Cypress National Preserve in South Florida). There are similarly quirky characters and imagery of "things left behind" or "what could have been" in this area claimed by the National Park Service in the 1970's. It would be nice to see a documentary of this area done by the same team!
The story reminds me of a local area with a somewhat parallel story (Big Cypress National Preserve in South Florida). There are similarly quirky characters and imagery of "things left behind" or "what could have been" in this area claimed by the National Park Service in the 1970's. It would be nice to see a documentary of this area done by the same team!
Mildly interesting....
planktonrules22 June 2011
"Plagues and Pleasures on the Salton Sea" is a documentary that examines the heyday of this huge accidentally created saltwater lake in California but mostly focuses on the lake today--now that the lake has become a bit of a nuisance and most of the landowners have moved. It consists of some narration and stock footage but mostly it's interviews with the folks who have inexplicably chosen to stay.
I saw this film to two reason--I like documentaries and it was narrated by John Waters. Having Waters' involvement made me assume that the film was very quirky--as did the description from Netflix. Well, I will admit a few of the folks were very quirky (especially the 75 year-old nudist---EWWWW!!!), the overall film was only mildly interesting and not much more. Now I am sure the film would have been more interesting had I lived in California, but for most folks it probably will be a hard sell.
I saw this film to two reason--I like documentaries and it was narrated by John Waters. Having Waters' involvement made me assume that the film was very quirky--as did the description from Netflix. Well, I will admit a few of the folks were very quirky (especially the 75 year-old nudist---EWWWW!!!), the overall film was only mildly interesting and not much more. Now I am sure the film would have been more interesting had I lived in California, but for most folks it probably will be a hard sell.
Excellent
dfgmooney23 April 2005
An entertaining and informative portrait of the myriad troubles and the wacky wonder of the sea. I've been fascinated with the place for years and am impressed by the funny yet serious approach the filmmakers took to clearly explain the complex political and environmental issues. The often off the wall locals who have created their own paradise at this troubled sea were presented with respect and love. The amazing stock footage from the sea's glamorous past contrasted sadly with today's deserted towns and fish and bird die-offs. And the sound track rocked. May 7, 2005 is the sea's centennial. Without intervention, it can't last much longer. Plagues and Pleasures should be required viewing for all California politicians. And all viewers will enjoy the strange history and unexpected beauty of this accidental sea.
a very poignant film....
mmammola8 June 2005
I just viewed this documentary and loved it. The film is a perfect balance of humor and substance. At times, it screens more like a comedy flick than documentary. Regardless, you quickly become engrossed with the inhabitants of Salton Sea; a relatively obscure area located in southeastern California.
I suggest this film for anyone who loves evocative films that showcase humanity at both it's best and worst. A truly genuine study in socio-economics, politics, environmental affairs, hope and despair.
I know that this film has a market outside of the "art" theatre and film fest circuit. It is quirky at times but will certainly leave a lasting impression on you.
I suggest this film for anyone who loves evocative films that showcase humanity at both it's best and worst. A truly genuine study in socio-economics, politics, environmental affairs, hope and despair.
I know that this film has a market outside of the "art" theatre and film fest circuit. It is quirky at times but will certainly leave a lasting impression on you.
Heartbreaking and beautiful
hilhanes7 June 2005
As someone who grew up spending every summer and holiday at the Salton Sea with my grandmother who lived there for over 30 years, I couldn't believe how this wonderful film made me feel like I was right back there again. The film makers captured everything real and true about this beautiful place and while wanting to cry, it made me laugh at the same time. I can't thank Chris Metzler and Jeff Springer enough for making this film, the sea needs more people like them to bring it back to the way it was. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll cringe, you'll hide your eyes, you'll feel like you're there and you may fall in love with the place that time forgot.
I agree with the person who said this film should be a required viewing for all California politicians!
I agree with the person who said this film should be a required viewing for all California politicians!
Lesser known folks from lesser known area = big doc
greenplanet30 June 2005
Hot Dang that doc was good! Makes me want to pack up my golf cart, bargain with the Landman about a plot of sand, then celebrate my dusty turf acquisition over a beer and sun-dried Tilapia with Hunky Daddy. Maybe even share a smoke with....everybody. The filmmakers did a great job of historically documenting the man made lake, cumulating in a the man made mistake, which ultimately put the Salton Sea on the map as an unconventional tourist resort. The doc captures the rise and demise of this desert oasis turned environmental time bomb as told through some memorable local residents. Brilliant. Great use of graphics too. I liked the use of historical footage and photographs, and some camera effects used to 'age' some new footage.
Fascinating look at the rise, fall and current conditions of the Salton Sea
morganpollak12 January 2005
This documentary follows the tragic yet beautiful life and death of the once populated Salton Sea told primarily through the people who know it best, its current residents. Interviewing the strange cast of eccentrics and exploring their lifestyles gives us a rich depiction of what life is like for the people who call this area home. Also explored is the state of the sea, its chances for repair and consequences if left neglected. This fascinating story combined with humorous, yet sad descriptions and nostalgic recollections paints a vivid picture of a community that constantly faces great transformation. With creative storytelling and lively interviews this documentary illustrates a genuinely strange and beautiful land that may fade away within the next decade.
Anyone interested in the environment or the West should see this film
thomlauriemaya17 March 2005
Plagues and Pleasures covers the saga of the Salton Sea's up and down history from just about every angle. Rarely does a doc do so well at this. From the crazy residents living nearby, to the get rich quick . . . maybe not, history of the place, to the continuing troubles with animal and fish populations and water greedheads from San Diego, the film gives more information than I imagined could exist about America's forgotten mega lake. A resident of the Southwest for much of my life, and the Mojave desert in particular, I was riveted the entire way through. You will laugh a lot- how many times does a Doc do that for you?- and if you have any kind of soul the downward trend of the Salton Sea will pull at your heart strings as well. It is a place that deserves to be saved from the disgusting fate of the Owens Valley, which was destroyed by the water lust of LA. Don't let this area be next. SEE THIS FILM- I CAN't RECOMMEND IT MORE!!!!
Riveting, hilarious
bayelliot30 July 2005
Let me come clean: I'm not an avid documentary-watcher--tend to find them dreadfully dull or painfully preachy, or some combination thereof. This film is a major exception. Catches you from the start, with a really interesting story about a place I certainly hadn't heard of, then pulls you into the lives of the extraordinary folks who live there. You learn some history and some ecology, which is always cool, but at the core this is a story about people who've decided to pursue their dreams in pretty much the middle of nowhere, and face the desert heat and dead-fish-smells with a rich sense of humor intact. This is the kind of film when you leave the theater you feel like talking about (and laughing about) with your friends, and maybe even start thinking actively about making a road-trip over to the Salton Sea to taste the place for yourself. If it's showing in your area, I'd definitely say you should check it out.
Truly Better Than Fiction
thebookey17 October 2005
Another example of how you just can't make this stuff up. Salton Sea provides fascinating insights into characters we don't get to interact with on a daily - or even lifetime - basis. Their struggles for a peaceful, healthy, rewarding lifestyle may mirror many others, but their circumstances are truly unique.
Living on an environmentally-challenged site that witnessed large-scale natural and unnatural alterations requires an unusual perspective. And that perspective is captured quite well in this film. Not something we're treated to on "extreme makeover" reality TV.
Plus, how can you not love the John Waters narration?
Living on an environmentally-challenged site that witnessed large-scale natural and unnatural alterations requires an unusual perspective. And that perspective is captured quite well in this film. Not something we're treated to on "extreme makeover" reality TV.
Plus, how can you not love the John Waters narration?
Salton Sea: Good News/Bad News
rayarpt3 August 2005
Having taken specific trips to see Mono Lake and Owens Lake, it seemed necessary to visit the Salton Sea. Good News: I visited and toured the entire Sea. Bad News: I didn't see "Plagues and Pleasures on the Salton Sea" before my trip. Obviously I saw things in the movie that I missed. Moreover, halfway through the movie I wanted to write Sonny Bono's wife and tell her to continue his work to save the sea. However, by the end of the movie, I realized the Saton Sea was lost. Anyone who has a chance to see this movie should not pass it up. The screenwriter and photographer have put together an unbelievable depiction of what the Sea was like and how far it has fallen. The collection of residents fits perfectly with the narrator. This is a group of John Waters characters. I will be seeing this movie again and I will be visiting the Salton Sea again to see what I missed.
Plagues & Pleasures inspired the creation of the word heartumentary
ms_jade_li6 February 2006
I've been mesmerized with the images and ideas presented in this film ever since I watched it on Saturday afternoon at our local film festival. Before watching I'd never heard of the place outside of a Val Kilmer movie title.
Not knowing what to expect outside of the 3-line blurb in the festival brochure, I was enraptured from the first frame and did a mini-grieve when the last frame flickered.
For those who, like me, haven't heard of the Salton Sea before, it's located approximately 130 miles east of SanDiego, to the south of Palm Springs, CA. Its genesis was a depression in the desert floor that captured rainwater. Today it is threatened with exodus, as the vital water sources that keep it alive are being threatened.
Yet the Salton Sea is so much, so very much more than a depression with water in the desert. It is the heart of a community of people who've lived through the many eras of the area, the inspiration for newcomers, and essential habitat to millions of water birds who call it home through some/all of the year.
The writers, directors, and narrator -- John Waters, no less! -- are masterful creators who elicit genuine wonder and affection for The Salton Sea--for simply existing despite the odds. They make you want to go there and have a beer and watch the sunset with the old-timers. They make you want to save her.
Thank you to the folks who made the movie. Your film was my favorite, hands-down, at the film festival. I look forward to seeing more of your work.
Not knowing what to expect outside of the 3-line blurb in the festival brochure, I was enraptured from the first frame and did a mini-grieve when the last frame flickered.
For those who, like me, haven't heard of the Salton Sea before, it's located approximately 130 miles east of SanDiego, to the south of Palm Springs, CA. Its genesis was a depression in the desert floor that captured rainwater. Today it is threatened with exodus, as the vital water sources that keep it alive are being threatened.
Yet the Salton Sea is so much, so very much more than a depression with water in the desert. It is the heart of a community of people who've lived through the many eras of the area, the inspiration for newcomers, and essential habitat to millions of water birds who call it home through some/all of the year.
The writers, directors, and narrator -- John Waters, no less! -- are masterful creators who elicit genuine wonder and affection for The Salton Sea--for simply existing despite the odds. They make you want to go there and have a beer and watch the sunset with the old-timers. They make you want to save her.
Thank you to the folks who made the movie. Your film was my favorite, hands-down, at the film festival. I look forward to seeing more of your work.
Great Film
jrdillon200025 January 2006
I loved this film , just the right mixture of humor,"weirdness", historical information and environmental message. I highly recommend seeing it and if possible checking out the Salton Sea if you are ever in the Palm Springs area. I spent New Years Day this year at the Sea and took pictures of the Old North Shore Yacht Club and was treated to the antics of a large flock of majestic White Pelicans! This film is well worth seeing and the Salton Sea is well worth saving in some form or another! This film has great historical footage, fun images and is a very amusing character study. I laughed and learned something new , who could ask for anything more?
Charming and Effective
doctorsmoothlove20 February 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I really enjoy a good documentary. They are difficult to find. Most documentaries are riddled with uninteresting information or oppressive influence, be it personal or political. Rarely does a documentary inform us about an intriguing subject while avoiding a political message. While Plagues and Pleasures on the Salton Sea does not completely avoid its environmental message, but at least it doesn't force the issue on the viewer. The film wants to enlighten its viewers about the Salton Sea and its ecological importance.
As I mentioned earlier, this film is very funny, perhaps even more so than the recent Hot Fuzz. Several of the people living on the Salton Sea are kooky, to say the least. One of them is a painter who wants to build a monument to Jesus and usually does it nude or partially nude. Another is a veteran of the Hungarian Revolution who curses and slurs whenever he is addressed. Yet another is an elderly smoker whose voice is so raspy that it is difficult to comprehend.
We know that people like this exist, but we don't think of them frequently. Therefore, interviewing them for a film is genius. It not only gives the film a human element, but a real comedic feel too. The documentary is also amusing in its approach to the ecological issues it address. It tells us how local birds die (due to poisoning) by interviewing disgruntled government workers who collect bird corpses. It address the area's former prominence by noting all the popular places that are now flooded. This is very effective in keeping our attention. The fact that I wrote this review almost two weeks after I saw the film yet remember so much of it should point to how effective the film is.
Anyone interested in environmental issues in California should watch this film. It's also a good choice for teenagers because it is informative and amusing. I would love to see more documentaries take this approach but many, sadly, do not. Please watch this film; it is one of the most memorable documentaries that you'll see for a long time.
As I mentioned earlier, this film is very funny, perhaps even more so than the recent Hot Fuzz. Several of the people living on the Salton Sea are kooky, to say the least. One of them is a painter who wants to build a monument to Jesus and usually does it nude or partially nude. Another is a veteran of the Hungarian Revolution who curses and slurs whenever he is addressed. Yet another is an elderly smoker whose voice is so raspy that it is difficult to comprehend.
We know that people like this exist, but we don't think of them frequently. Therefore, interviewing them for a film is genius. It not only gives the film a human element, but a real comedic feel too. The documentary is also amusing in its approach to the ecological issues it address. It tells us how local birds die (due to poisoning) by interviewing disgruntled government workers who collect bird corpses. It address the area's former prominence by noting all the popular places that are now flooded. This is very effective in keeping our attention. The fact that I wrote this review almost two weeks after I saw the film yet remember so much of it should point to how effective the film is.
Anyone interested in environmental issues in California should watch this film. It's also a good choice for teenagers because it is informative and amusing. I would love to see more documentaries take this approach but many, sadly, do not. Please watch this film; it is one of the most memorable documentaries that you'll see for a long time.
See this movie!!!
scary_karl11 September 2005
The Salton Sea is the biggest body of water in California, yet no one seems to know about it. This movie does a great job of explaining how this man-made sea came to exist and how it was almost the Riviera of Southern California before becoming an enclave of oddballs. Having personally visited Bombay Beach, Niland, and Salvation Mountain, and even having met some of the stranger subjects in the film, I can safely say that the film captures the unique and bizarre tone of the place. About the only thing it can't convey is the stink of the dead tilapia and the taste of salt in the air. John Waters' narration is great and the film is extremely interesting. Check it out for sure!
Excellent and unique portrayal of a decaying American dream
aholowicki4 November 2005
Plagues and Pleasures on the Salton Sea is a beautifully photographed depiction of a forgotten and deteriorating lake in California. Created by an ecological disaster in 1905, this once first class vacation resort is now a near abandoned wasteland. The movie presents a tremendous amount of historical information about the coming of the sea but ultimately revolves around the often eccentric but occasionally humbling inhabitants. With a Christian mountain painting artist, a nude peace advertising senior citizen, and an illegitimate beer guzzling Hungarian mayor, Metzler and Springer present a wide array of interesting characters to explain the importance of the Salton Sea. The film raises awareness to the political and environmental crises' surrounding the sea but never begins to badger or pester its audience. Managing to perfectly blend humor and sorrow, the Salton Sea is a beautiful, bittersweet portrayal of a decaying American dream.
This film inspired a trip to the Salton Sea!
roberta_conroy14 January 2006
We caught this film at the Palm Springs International Film Festival and were pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable the film is. The filmmakers have achieved a perfect balance of education and entertainment. It inspired a trip to the Salton Sea with a perspective that only this film could give.. otherwise, it would seem like just another incredibly depressed part of America. There is a lesson here too; you can love or hate your home, it's your point of view. We chose to appreciate the Salton Sea and and to find Hunky Daddy. Yes, you can as well! Bombay Beach, on a corner at 4th street behind the mailboxes and community bulletin board. Make a day of it!!
"Plagues and Pleasures on the Salton Sea" is a fascinating documentary about a little known region in California . Highly Recommended!!!
TGrand4583 October 2005
This very entertaining documentary investigates the life (and possible upcoming death) of one of the largest lakes in the U.S. It contains a scientific investigation of the Salton Sea and a sociological investigation of the people that continue to inhabit its vicinity.
As the quality of the lake/sea has whithered away in the last 35 years or so, it has left in its wake some die-hard residents that live on the fringe of the lake and the fringe of society. These folks are often funny, entertaining, and compelling at the same time.
What was once a desert oasis of fishing, swimming, water skiing; is fading into oblivion. The saving and restoring of the Salton Sea was championed by Congressman Sonny Bono. But after his untimely death from a skiing accident, the political will and capitol to save the Salton Sea have dwindled. If the Salton Sea dies, a potential ecological disaster looms on the horizon for that region.
This film explores all the facets surrounding the Salton Sea in a captivating manner that is well covered but leaves you wanting for even more. It is very neutral and honest in its presentation and leaves it to the audience to draw their own conclusions. Its entertaining enough for repeated viewings. That's a great achievement for a documentary in my view.
As the quality of the lake/sea has whithered away in the last 35 years or so, it has left in its wake some die-hard residents that live on the fringe of the lake and the fringe of society. These folks are often funny, entertaining, and compelling at the same time.
What was once a desert oasis of fishing, swimming, water skiing; is fading into oblivion. The saving and restoring of the Salton Sea was championed by Congressman Sonny Bono. But after his untimely death from a skiing accident, the political will and capitol to save the Salton Sea have dwindled. If the Salton Sea dies, a potential ecological disaster looms on the horizon for that region.
This film explores all the facets surrounding the Salton Sea in a captivating manner that is well covered but leaves you wanting for even more. It is very neutral and honest in its presentation and leaves it to the audience to draw their own conclusions. Its entertaining enough for repeated viewings. That's a great achievement for a documentary in my view.
A documentary with something for everyone......at the very least.
djthink27 July 2005
How I came about seeing this movie is actually a pretty long and complicated story, so lets just say it was fate. Hand of god, even. But, recently I received a full length copy as well as new John Waters narrated version from the fabulous gentleman Chris Metzler himself, co- creator of the film. Since first viewing the film about four months ago, the images and people have stuck with me and it was equally powerful finally viewing the film again. Soon Chris tells me it will be coming to Portland at a theater very near my house to screen at the famous Hollywood Theatre. I couldn't be any happier about the prospect of this because this film and the hard work that is so very apparent that went into it, deserves big screen respect and recognition. Chris, I honestly can't wait to meet you and have a beer and talk about your future prospects. Plagues and Pleasures has more to chew on then one can imagine, it will leave an indelible mark on your mind and emotions. I can't even begin to describe what I love about it, but its rich bizarre history, utter environmental catastrophe and insanely lovable inhabitants touch on the tip of the iceberg of why this film means so much. And if I could write reviews much better I could better express why I love this film so much. Screw Burning Man, if you want reality and chaos go no farther than the Salton Sea, a year long Burning Man without the porta-potties.
Informative and very entertaining.
jamesreiman10 October 2005
I recently watched "Plagues and Pleasures on the Salton Sea" at the 1st annual Ellensburg Film Festival and I thought that the documentary was made with great success. It is informative and entertaining. The film delivers information about the man-made sea's past, present, and a glimpse at what may lie in the future. The film also provides the viewer with an opportunity to meet some of the eccentric individuals that reside in the areas surrounding the Salton Sea. A beer loving Hungarian revolutionist and a roadside nudist are just a couple examples of the cast of unique individuals that share their passion for the ecological disaster that they call home. It is definitely worth checking out.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
