Watch Haynesville

Haynesville is a 2009 documentary film that explores the Louisiana township of the same name, which is located in the heart of natural gas country. The movie delves into the controversy surrounding natural gas drilling and the impact it has on the lives of the residents of Haynesville. The film follows the stories of several individuals from Haynesville, including Kassi Fitzgerald, a local cheerleader, and Mike Smith, a logger who has been affected by the downturn in the logging industry. The film also includes interviews with local politicians, environmentalists, and representatives from the natural gas industry as they debate the economics and environmental impact of drilling in the area.

One of the main themes of the film is the tension between economic development and environmental responsibility. The residents of Haynesville are acutely aware of the potential economic benefits of natural gas drilling, but they are also concerned about the impact that it could have on their community and the environment. The film explores both sides of the debate, and it highlights the ways in which natural gas drilling can have a transformative impact on small communities like Haynesville.

The film also explores the scientific and technological aspects of natural gas drilling. It explains the basic process of hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," which is used to extract natural gas from shale rock. The film includes interviews with geologists and other experts who explain the potential risks and benefits of fracking, and it provides a nuanced and in-depth view of the complex issues involved in natural gas extraction.

One of the strengths of Haynesville is the way in which it gives voice to all sides of the debate. The film is not a polemic, but rather a thoughtful exploration of a complex issue. It presents both the economic and environmental arguments for and against natural gas drilling, and it allows viewers to make up their own minds about the issue.

Throughout the film, the natural beauty of the Louisiana landscape is on display. The camera captures sweeping vistas of the forests and fields surrounding Haynesville, and it shows the beauty of the natural world that is at risk from industrial development. The film also includes scenes of the town itself, including shots of the local high school, the town square, and the homes of some of the residents. These scenes help to humanize the issue and to make viewers care about the people who are impacted by the debate.

Haynesville is a well-made and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on a complex and controversial issue. It provides a nuanced and balanced view of the debate over natural gas drilling and shows how this issue can have a profound impact on small communities like Haynesville. Anyone who is interested in environmental issues, energy policy, or the impact of industrial development on communities will find this film to be a compelling and informative exploration of a vital issue.

Haynesville is a documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.