Watch Plagues & Pleasures on the Salton Sea

Plagues & Pleasures on the Salton Sea is an engaging and quirky documentary that explores the history, culture, and environmental challenges of the Salton Sea - an accidental lake in the middle of the California desert. Directed by Chris Metzler and Jeff Springer, the film introduces us to a cast of oddball characters who call the Salton Sea home, and portrays their unique lifestyles, struggles and aspirations.

The Salton Sea was created in 1905 when the Colorado River breached a canal and flooded the Salton Sink for two years, creating a huge natural lake that attracted developers, tourists, and Hollywood stars during the 1950s and 1960s. However, by the 1970s, the sea's water quality had deteriorated due to agricultural runoff and sewage inputs, leading to massive fish and bird die-offs, unbearable stench, and toxicity concerns.

Despite these challenges, the Salton Sea remains a fascinating and surreal place, as the movie demonstrates through the stories of some of its most colorful inhabitants. There's Sonny Bono, the late singer and politician, who tried to save the Salton Sea by putting it on the national agenda. There's also a group of retirees who run a yacht club on the sea, even though there are no boats or water left. They drink beer, socialize, and reminisce about the good old days when the Salton Sea was a mecca for water sports and beach parties.

Another standout character is the so-called "Mayor of the Slabs," Leonard Knight, a devout Christian who created a folk art wonderland called Salvation Mountain on the outskirts of the Salton Sea. Knight's vividly painted mountain, made of adobe and straw, is a testament to his faith, love, and determination, and attracts thousands of visitors every year. Knight's story is moving and inspirational, as he overcomes poverty, illness, and bureaucracy to fulfill his artistic vision.

Plagues & Pleasures on the Salton Sea also takes a hard look at the ecological and public health challenges facing the Salton Sea today. Due to drought, climate change, and competing demands for water in California, the sea's water level is dropping, exposing toxic sediments, creating dust storms, and threatening the health of local residents and wildlife. The film interviews scientists, activists, and residents who are working to raise awareness, advocate for funding, and implement solutions to preserve the Salton Sea.

Overall, Plagues & Pleasures on the Salton Sea is a fascinating and entertaining documentary that blends humor, heart, and environmental concerns into a thought-provoking and visually stunning narrative. The movie not only sheds light on the social and cultural significance of the Salton Sea, but also raises important questions about the relationship between humans and nature in the modern world. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in ecology, art, culture, history, and human resilience.

Plagues & Pleasures on the Salton Sea is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes.