PETROPOLIS (Canada 2009) ***
Directed by Peter Mettler

The Greenpeace film PETROPOLIS tells what it is all about from its full title PETROPOLIS: AERIAL PERSPECTIVES ON THE ALBERTA OIL SANDS.  Directed by Toronto director and cinematographer Peter Mettler (TOP OF HIS HEAD, GAMBLING, GODS AND LSD), this 43-minute short feature makes its point from the images alone.  The message is the destruction of the environment for profit gain.  From a helicopter, Mettler shows the beauty and horror (after the harvesting of the petroleum) of the Albertan landscapes.

The narration (written by Mettler) is done initially through words appearing on the screen rather than voice over.  Two positive effects of the tactic are: number one the audience is forced to read the information and not let it bypass one ear in and out and number two, the silence allows the audience to continue experiencing the beauty before the destruction of the forests, land and rivers.

Mettler’s most silent film makes its point – the message coming out loud and clear.  Though he does not baby his audience by providing the sources the audience can write or complain to, PETROPOLIS will definitely cause some stir with those who see the movie.