Gasland is a documentary that was produced and directed by Josh Fox. It centers around the effects of natural gas drilling on American communities, specifically focusing on the process known as fracking. Fracking involves extracting natural gas by horizontally drilling into deep rock formations. As a resident of Pennsylvania, Josh Fox turned down an offer from an oil company to lease his family’s land for drilling. This refusal inspired him to create this documentary.
Fox traveled extensively throughout the nation, visiting communities that were severely impacted by the sudden increase in natural gas extraction. Gasland effectively portrays three essential elements of a film: subject matter, credibility, and impact. The documentary tells a significant story, and Fox effectively persuades viewers to recognize its significance. This accomplishment is largely attributed to the visual presentation of the documentary. The format and bold delivery of facts and statistics greatly resonates with the audience.
Fox effectively combined video footage and numerical displays to illustrate the national water usage for drilling, making it easily comprehensible and educational. Moreover, the film extensively incorporates captivating graphic presentations. Additionally, Fox excels in conducting interviews with individuals impacted by drilling. Typically, documentaries prioritize interviewing various individuals to gauge their perspectives on a matter. In this aspect, Fox proves to be highly adept and advocates for those unable to voice their concerns.
The individuals he associates with are crucial in establishing the film’s foundation as their stories give it depth and appeal. Furthermore, interviewing these people adds an element of distress and highlights the need for change or assistance in this specific documentary. Fox effectively describes the film’s subject, making it clear to viewers what the issue is. Moreover, Fox successfully makes Gasland highly convincing.
Throughout the film, Fox visited oil fields across the country. His raw footage alone lent credibility to the subject. In each state he traveled to, Fox took the time to meet with residents in towns deeply impacted by drilling. Every house he visited, he showed a genuine interest in the quality of their drinking water. One memorable visit took place in picturesque Colorado, where a homeowner willingly conducted an experiment with Fox to assess the water’s drinkability.
The man used a lighter to check if there were any contaminants in the water coming out of his fossett. As soon as he turned on the water, a flame exploded, causing both of them to jump back. This incident clearly demonstrates that the drinking water becomes severely polluted with poisonous substances present in the fracking process. Gasland is an eye-opening film that surely affects the viewer emotionally, as many people are directly affected by natural gas drilling, even if others are not.
One emotionally moving scene involves Fox listing out the various acts that congress has exempted gas drilling companies from. These acts include The Safe Drinking Water Act, The Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, The Superfund Act, and around 12 other environmental regulations. The government of the United States is giving permission to gas drilling companies to violate these laws and acts simply because they are seeking natural gas in areas with substantial financial opportunities. The primary issue stems from the greed exhibited by both the companies and the government.
This scene is disturbing as it clearly points out the source of the problem: the United States government. Josh Fox effectively communicates the key points, resulting in Gasland being a highly expressive documentary. Ultimately, he stands up for the people, amplifying their voices that may have otherwise gone unheard or dismissed. Fox successfully captures the elements of subject, credibility, and impact, crucial in documentary making.
