Watch A Crude Awakening: The Oil Crash

A Crude Awakening: The Oil Crash is a gripping 2006 documentary film that takes a comprehensive and in-depth look at the global oil industry, including its history, economics, and environmental impact, as well as the future of energy and alternative solutions to the world's dependency on oil. Directed by Basil Gelpke and Raymond McCormack and narrated by award-winning actor and environmentalist Peter Coyote, the film is an eye-opening exploration of the consequences of our insatiable appetite for oil and explores the origins of the oil industry and the impact it has had on our civilization.

The documentary features a range of interviews with experts and industry insiders, including Wade Adams, director of the Energy Environment Systems Institute at Rice University; Abdul Samad Al-Awadi, former head of Kuwait's national oil company; Fadhil J. Al-Chalabi, former Iraqi oil minister; and Roscoe Bartlett, a United States congressman who warns of the dangers of dependence on foreign oil.

Through a combination of archival footage, stunning visuals, and interviews with experts in the field, the film delves deep into the complex and interconnected world of oil production and consumption, exploring the relationship between the oil industry, politics, and globalization.

A Crude Awakening: The Oil Crash offers a stark warning about the finite nature of oil reserves and the urgent need for a shift away from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources. The film makes the case that we have reached a critical juncture in our dependence on oil, and that radical changes are needed, not only in technological innovations but also in public policy and business practices, to avoid a catastrophic energy crash.

The documentary also reveals the hidden costs of the oil industry, including environmental degradation, human rights violations, and political corruption. It highlights the devastating impact of oil production and consumption on ecosystems, wildlife, and indigenous communities, and raises important questions about the ethical responsibilities of governments and corporations in the face of these challenges.

Throughout the film, viewers are confronted with the stark reality of our dependence on oil and the sobering outlook for our future if we do not make fundamental changes in the way we produce, consume, and think about energy.

A Crude Awakening: The Oil Crash is a thoroughly researched, thought-provoking, and timely documentary that will leave viewers with a new understanding of the complexity and urgency of the energy crisis facing the world. It offers a wealth of insights into the history, economics, and politics of oil, and the crucial role of sustainable energy in shaping the future of our planet. For anyone interested in the environment, politics, or the future of energy, this is a must-see film.