Earth and the American Dream (1992)

Earth and the American Dream Poster

A beautiful and disturbing film recounts America’s story from the environment’s point of view. From the arrival of Columbus to the simple wilderness living of the 16th and 17th centuries, through the agrarian lifestyle of the 18th century, the changes from the Industrial Revolution, to the 20th century when most of the planet’s resources have been depleted — this film examines the North American landscape and all the wildlife destruction, deforestation, soil depletion and pollution that have been wrought to make the American Dream come true.

Film Overview
"Earth and the American Dream" is a compelling 1992 documentary film directed by Bill Couturie. The movie presents a complex assessment of America's historic and continuous effect on the environment. The movie makes use of a distinct storytelling method, utilizing diary entries, letters, speeches, and other substantial files from prominent figures throughout history to weave a poignant story that encapsulates the American dream's terrible effects on the environment.

Historical View on Nature
The movie begins with a view on nature and the environment from the point of views of American Indian tribes. Their viewpoint and relationship with the earth differ substantially from the modern viewpoint, treating nature with respect and seeing it as an entity to reside in harmony with. These attitudes shift dramatically with the arrival of European settlers and the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. The movie demonstrates the initial exploitation and supreme deterioration of the environment for industrial and industrial purposes.

Greedy Exploitation of Resources
"Earth and the American Dream" subsequently provides the history of the American Dream as a relentless conquest and exploitation of nature's resources. The land's rich forests, huge plains, and crystal-clear rivers end up being products to make use of, with expedience and wealth taking precedence over sustainability and preservation. The progressing American Dream shifts far from residing in consistency with the environment towards avaricious exploitation. Throughout the film, documents and correspondences from prominent figures draw attention to this pattern's consequences, highlighting the environment's deterioration.

Industrial Revolution to Modern Times
The movie traces these mindsets through the Industrial Revolution, when America's emerging powerhouse status further increased the exploitation rate of the environment. The increase of consumer culture, industrialism, and industrial advancements sparked considerable deterioration, contamination, and imbalance. The movie decries the extensive belief that economic growth validates environmental destruction. Observing this evolution, the film drives home the visual ramifications of this journey.

Environmental Awakening and Future Concerns
However, the later part of the film also highlights the ecological awakening in the 20th century. A growing body of prominent figures, scientists, and companies began to stress the need for conservation, security, and the shared survival of nature and mankind. The arrival of Earth Day and the grassroots ecological motion indicated that a more eco-conscious chapter in the American narrative was unfolding.

Conclusion
Yet, in spite of these favorable modifications, "Earth and the American Dream" urges the audience to consider humankind's continuous influence on the environment in the middle of modernization and advancement. The movie utilizes compelling visuals and significant quotes to highlight the intensity of the concern, stressing the value of sustainability over exploitation to protect our future.

"Earth and the American Dream" provides the haunting dichotomy between civilization's advancement and the environment, underlining the American Dream's detrimental repercussions. It motivates viewers to challenge the reality of ecological deterioration and welcome a more sustainable, eco-conscious worldview in the face of contemporary advancement.

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