STILLWELL: Al Gore's Apocalyptic Environmentalism

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 6/14/6 | Cinnamon Stillwell

[SmithL]

By far, the most terrifying film you'll ever see.

It will shake you to your core.

A film that has shocked audiences everywhere they've seen it.

There's nothing scarier. …

If these lines from a movie trailer make you think you're about to see the next big summer horror blockbuster, then you're in for a surprise. For it turns out that the most terrifying movie of the summer -- the film that has audiences on the edge of their seats, gripping their popcorn tubs in panic and grabbing on to their dates -- is a documentary on the perils of global warming.

Directed by David Guggenheim, "An Inconvenient Truth" is the brainchild of former Vice President and presidential candidate Al Gore. Gore figures prominently in the film as narrator and lecturer, gallivanting all over the world to speak to adoring audiences about climate change. The film is largely in homage to Gore himself, with his many personal tragedies, including losing the 2000 presidential election, as backdrop to his newfound role as prophet of doom. Gore warns us that humankind has only 10 years on its current path before we're all toast.

But despite Gore's dire predictions and the over-the-top trailer, which promises scenes of death and destruction, the film itself is a dull affair. Most of it consists of Gore giving lectures with infantile visual aids, including cartoons that seem designed for 2-year-olds. Now and then he throws in an inspiring quote, providing some touchy-feely, Dr. Phil-like moments.

Then there are the scenes of Gore staring pensively out his limousine window as his gloomy narrative drones on in the background. Much like his nostalgic reveries for his idyllic childhood on an estate/farm, Gore seems to want to hearken back to a simpler time before modern technology came

[SmithL]

Seen the Light Ping

FReepMail me if you want on, or off this low-volume Ping list.

[edcoil]

Those educated believe Al Gores movie is a joke. There is nothing "science" about it.

http://www.canadafreepress.com/2006/harris061206.htm

[samtheman]

Gore warns us that humankind has only 10 years on its current path before we're all toast.

Like a homeless person, mind gone from alcohol, drugs or mental illness, wandering the streets, muttering to himself. But this one gets and audience. (Of course, it's an audience of equally feeble-minded droolers.)

[Redbob]

Last time I "grabbed my popcorn tub in panic" was when I thought Algore might become President of the United States.

Wheeeew!

[GianniV]

From your linked article:

'Carter does not pull his punches about Gore's activism, "The man is an embarrassment to US science and its many fine practitioners, a lot of whom know (but feel unable to state publicly) that his propaganda crusade is mostly based on junk science."'

Hilarious! Wonder if Katie Couric will report this on the CBS Evening News? That his whole stupid movie is junk.

[1066AD]

Despite his claims to the contrary, Gore's film is hardly apolitical.

Exactly, it's all political, just a vehicle for his run for the top in 2008.

[Red Badger]

CORRECTION:Al Gore's Apoplectic Environmentalism

[Names Ash Housewares]

I think I am becoming glad that Gore made this film. His claims are being criticized and scrutinized like never before now. I doubt he will make any new converts, I think it will be far more likely the opposite will be true as many respected scientst question his claims.

[Izzy Dunne]

his nostalgic reveries for his idyllic childhood on an estate/farm

Sorry, but the B.S. meter just pegged...

[samtheman]

The Ice Age Scare of 1975

[RoadTest]

Algor is the Ralph Nader of the 21st Century.

[BenLurkin]

"Gore warns us that humankind has only 10 years on its current path before we're all toast."


Sounds so familiar . . . http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1568495870/103-1015620-5651813?v=glance&n=283155

[DBrow]

Ten years to go.

Hmmm, two to the next election, then two presidential terms.

Wonder why Algor picked ten years?

I bet the right president for eight of those ten years could save us all, if we were willing to embrace a radical change in the way the US views such things as economics, property rights, and free speech.

But who could tackle such a task? Who would you pick to be the one to save us? Who is it who has the insight, the correct knowledge, and a deep understanding of the way Earth works? Who has personally measured the thickness of the Arctic icepack from a nuclear submarine?

[massgopguy]

Imagine being lectured by Algore for 90 minutes?

[BenLurkin]

Gore spent his childhood as the privileged progeny of a wealthy U.S. Senator. Algore grew up in the luxurious confines of a Washington DC hotel.

[johnny7]

...his black nanny... 'cussin him for getting grass-stains on his jodpers.

[rod1]

Yeah it is pretty shocking seeing ALGORE slepping his bags from hotel to hotel. I understand that is in the film.

[trebb]

Most of it consists of Gore giving lectures with infantile visual aids, including cartoons that seem designed for 2-year-olds.

Which is consistent with his target audience. Only a fool or mental deficient would take him seriously (as the author claims that Gore takes himself seriously).

[siunevada]

Gore warns us that humankind has only 10 years on its current path before we're all toast.

Sounds like Ted Danson.