What a Way to Go: Life at the End of Empire

Watch What a Way to Go: Life at the End of Empire

"A middle-class white guy comes to grips with Peak Oil, Climate Change, Mass Extinction, Population Overshoot and the demise of the American lifestyle."
  • 2010
  • 2 hr 3 min
  • 7.7  (144)

What a Way to Go: Life at the End of Empire is a documentary-style film that explores the concept of environmental collapse and the way in which humanity has contributed to the destruction of our planet over time. The movie is directed and produced by Tim Bennett and Sally Erickson, and was released in 2007. The film is structured around the personal experiences and insights of the filmmakers – husband and wife team Tim and Sally – as well as a range of interviews with prominent environmental activists, scientists, and thinkers. The narrative draws from numerous sources of historical, scientific, and philosophical knowledge in order to explore questions of ecological sustainability, economic and social justice, and the nature of humanity's relationship to the natural world.

The filmmakers begin by presenting a bleak portrait of the current state of things, highlighting some of the most pressing environmental problems facing the planet today: climate change, deforestation, overfishing, loss of biodiversity, and pollution, among others. They argue that these problems are deeply interconnected, and that they all stem from a deeper system of values and practices that leads us to exploit natural resources in increasingly unsustainable ways.

One of the key themes of the movie is the idea of "empire" – a term the filmmakers use to describe the dominant cultural and economic system that has emerged over the past several centuries. They argue that this system is founded on a belief in perpetual growth and endless consumption, and that it is characterized by immense inequality and injustice. They suggest that this system is inherently unsustainable, and that it is leading us towards a precipice of ecological and social collapse.

Throughout the film, the filmmakers weave together disparate strands of thought and analysis in order to build a compelling and multifaceted argument for the need to fundamentally rethink the way we live on this planet. They draw on insights from ecology, psychology, anthropology, and history in order to explore the root causes of our current ecological crisis, and to suggest possible paths forward.

One notable aspect of the film is its use of striking visual imagery and editing techniques. The filmmakers use a range of techniques – including animation, archival footage, and stunning landscapes – in order to create a sense of urgency and awe around the issues they are exploring. They also use clever transitions and juxtapositions to connect seemingly disparate ideas and bring coherence to the film's sprawling intellectual landscape.

Ultimately, what emerges from the film is an urgent call to action. The filmmakers make a passionate case for the need to re-imagine our relationship to the planet and to each other, in order to build a more just, sustainable, and fulfilling future. They suggest that this will require nothing less than a complete transformation of our values, beliefs, and ways of living – a daunting task, to be sure, but one that they argue is absolutely necessary if we are to avoid a catastrophic collapse of our civilization.

In conclusion, What a Way to Go: Life at the End of Empire is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a sobering but ultimately hopeful look at the state of the planet and our collective future. By weaving together a diverse array of insights and perspectives, the filmmakers have created a rich and multifaceted exploration of the ecological crisis we face, and the urgent need for transformative action. Anyone interested in environmental issues, social justice, or the future of humanity will find much to appreciate in this film.

What a Way to Go: Life at the End of Empire
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Description
  • Release Date
    2010
  • Runtime
    2 hr 3 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.7  (144)
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