Video Reflections: An Inconvenient Truth

Al Gores' film, An Inconvenient Truth is a political documentary focusing on the issues of global warming and climate change. Being both presenter and author of the film Gore uses his position of power to get his message across to the audience, starting with his introduction "I used to be the next president of the United States". In this way the audience is positioned from the word 'go' to trust and listen to the views of this once popular, once loved political figure. 

Through the use of multiple cartoon analogies, Gore uses humour to create an entertaining educational environment for his audience. The convincing arguement of Global warming is presented with hard-hitting scientific facts and data, presented in a way that demonstrates the earth has a dire situation occurring at this very moment, and something must be done about it. "The era of procrastination, of half-measures, of soothing and baffling expedients, of delays, is coming to its close, In its place we are entering a period of consequences" -Churchill.  The film ultimately aims to spark an emotional state within the audience, to influence a change in behaviour to counter the effects of climate change.

The majority of the film is constructed in a way to make the viewer feel as if they are part of the audience in one of Al Gores worldwide conference presentations. The arguement is made to appear far more superior in this regard, due to the international scale on which this high-flying and influential figure has reached. But Al Gore is not just presented to be a figure of power and intellect, the film gives insight into his life at a personal level, drawing the audience in through nostalgic memories from his childhood. This conflicting  technique, makes the film far more personable, fuelling the audience to feel a moral responsibility to jump on board and act against climate change.

Gore points out that the only factor impeding civilisation from acting against the issue of climate change is the lack of political will. "Humanity already possesses the fundamental scientific, technical, and industrial know-how to solve the carbon and climate problems..." - S. Pacala and R. Sacolow. Politicians hold the issue of climate change at arms length, because if they acknowledge it then they will have the moral responsibility to do something about it. "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on him not understanding it" - Sinclair. As a result of ignorant politicians, Gores audience, and aim has shifted to educating the world, "one person at a time", until his message influences a changed perspective and a moral responsibility.

This passionate and heart-felt documentary demonstrates a significant and relevant message on the issue of climate change; being that whether or not you have chosen to acknowledge it, it will increasingly affect every single person who shares the earth. Gore influences the audience to care about the beautiful world that is our home, so that "it will be there for your children". One step at a time, moral responsibility can be demonstrated by a small change or contribution. It could even be as small as turning off your lights.