A really fascinating film regarding an industry in which I had virtually little or no idea about. Being naïve with regards to the mining hazards involved with attaining natural gas resources (fracking), I was probably as shocked as the citizens of this Smalltown, USA, being depicted in this film. Basically an 'Erin Brockovich' in reverse as the film is being told through the eyes of the Mega-conglomerate representative, Steve Butler (played wonderfully by Matt Damon) being asked to secure the mining rights for this whole sorely economically deprived small Midwestern town. It's an all or nothing, do or die, one time offer, for this dying Middle American town; however, do the environmental risks outweigh the possible financial gains? Exquisitely written by Matt Damon and John Krasinski, and expertly directed by the acclaimed Gus Van Sant, this film effectively encapsulates the struggles currently being experienced by the American farmer. The ease at which BIG BUSINESS (and their fat checkbooks) can sweep in, scoop up, and devour everything and anything in front of them is truly appalling to witness.
This film centers on Steve Butler (Damon), a small town boy from Iowa who has productively transitioned to the world of corporate America and is rapidly climbing the ladder of success. Being raised in a small town as well, Butler readily identifies with his perspective clients. He walks their walk, talks their talk, and he dresses down (more casually) to order to convey a more hometown personable sales approach in these very trying times. In Butler's defense, he unequivocally believes that his presence in these towns is to help the farmers and save these small towns; however, he does have a bottom line, and he is trying to accomplish his task at the least possible cost to his $9 Billion dollar company.
However, the film's true star is John Krasinski as Dustin Nobles. Nobles is the one-man environmental activist team from Athena, here to stop or at least make the populace aware that there are definitely some environmental catastrophic possibilities linked to the natural gas 'fracking' harvesting process. Nobles is also very personable, there to win the hearts and minds of the population. A small town boy from Nebraska whose family lost their farm after mining operations literally tainted their water supply and killed the land. Basically a David versus Goliath story, where the Goliath (Butler) actually believes that he's there for the greater good of the town.
I really enjoyed this film, an interesting tale on a subject matter in which I thought was the safer, better, cleaner alternative to our fossil fuel dependency. However, it seems that all things come with a price and/or risk. I can see why this film did not do better at the box office, because stories told from the side of corporate American seems to be supporting the evil villains in the story. Nevertheless, I highly recommend seeing this film. The film is definitely worth the price of renting, and totally worth your time and energy to seek out.
See more of my reviews on FB @ "The Faris Reel"
This film centers on Steve Butler (Damon), a small town boy from Iowa who has productively transitioned to the world of corporate America and is rapidly climbing the ladder of success. Being raised in a small town as well, Butler readily identifies with his perspective clients. He walks their walk, talks their talk, and he dresses down (more casually) to order to convey a more hometown personable sales approach in these very trying times. In Butler's defense, he unequivocally believes that his presence in these towns is to help the farmers and save these small towns; however, he does have a bottom line, and he is trying to accomplish his task at the least possible cost to his $9 Billion dollar company.
However, the film's true star is John Krasinski as Dustin Nobles. Nobles is the one-man environmental activist team from Athena, here to stop or at least make the populace aware that there are definitely some environmental catastrophic possibilities linked to the natural gas 'fracking' harvesting process. Nobles is also very personable, there to win the hearts and minds of the population. A small town boy from Nebraska whose family lost their farm after mining operations literally tainted their water supply and killed the land. Basically a David versus Goliath story, where the Goliath (Butler) actually believes that he's there for the greater good of the town.
I really enjoyed this film, an interesting tale on a subject matter in which I thought was the safer, better, cleaner alternative to our fossil fuel dependency. However, it seems that all things come with a price and/or risk. I can see why this film did not do better at the box office, because stories told from the side of corporate American seems to be supporting the evil villains in the story. Nevertheless, I highly recommend seeing this film. The film is definitely worth the price of renting, and totally worth your time and energy to seek out.
See more of my reviews on FB @ "The Faris Reel"