Film Review

Title: Peace Out 

Director: Charles Wilkinson

Running time: 90 minutes

Reviewed by: Liam Ponton

It's all too common these days to find films, articles and editorials blaming climate change on a single entity. We often hear or read things like, "Big oil companies are to blame for the erosion of the planet," and "greed and evil lie at the heart of every business man, CEO and corporate consultant that work in the energy industry." Peace Out, is a documentary addressing industrial energy production, but approaches it uniquely, carefully avoiding the sweeping or one sided accusation other documentaries may be guilty of. 

Charles Wilkinson's documentary Peace Out provides a very refreshing outlook on the issue of sustainability and energy consumption. His film is shot exclusively in BC to emphasise the reality and gravity of environmental degradation. There are contrasting shots taken of Vancouver’s bustling downtown core and contrasted with the peaceful serene Peace River region. The audience is given a panoramic view of some of British Columbia’s most beautiful locations. Shimmering lakes, lush forestry and wildlife are made all the more precious when one realizes that one day it may all be gone. One cannot help but feel that what is happening is, quite literally, in our back yards. Residents testify to the effects of corporate capital in their lives, wells run dry, crop fields are left fallow and with each passing year conditions grow worse. One begins to ask, "Have corporations no heart, no sense of compassion?" There appears to be such evil in the work of energy production.

However, Wilkinson does not accuse corporations of being evil, but rather observes the issue of energy consumption holistically. He begins by pointing out that the current rate of energy consumption cannot be left unchecked and if the discourse of society is in desperate need of redirection, there must be a better way of generating our energy.  Wilkinson explores a long list of alternative energy cultivation methods. Nuclear energy, natural gas, wind turbines, coal mining and others are considered, but what becomes apparent is that with one solution two more problems are created. For example, closing down an oil site would devastate both the economy and the unemployment rate, one change inevitably creates a ripple with its own set of complications. Interviews with industry professionals, intellectuals and activists alike agree, there is no quick fix for our energy needs. It feels slightly hypocritical to sit at my computer, listening to my iPod, with a freshly boiled cup of tea to claim we need to reduce our energy consumption. Wilkinson notes that industries are only supplying a commodity that is already in high demand. The world's appetite for energy is nearly unfathomable. Many of us would rather trade scenic walks and grassy fields for central heating, laptops and fuel to drive our cars to work.  

Wilkinson’s film is objective, informative and clear, and in the end there is no one to blame. There is no great conspiracy or secret society of evil, there is simply a problem that needs addressing. Above all else Wilkinson encourages viewers, specifically British Columbians, to join arms in the fight for a more sustainable future. Peace Out’s unique and close to home style of film instills a passion in viewers that all to often lays dormant. Viewers must find a personal attachment to issues in order to demand change and with any luck, Canadians will now have a reason to fight for the land that we hold in such high esteem. These issues become vivid realities when they are in your own backyard. The film implores action over apathy, which only leads to catastrophe if our priorities are not changed. Wilkinson’s message is both powerful and personal and brings a global issue to the doorstep of every Canadian.

The film is also beautifully produced and well organized, with exceptional cinematography and post-production work. Selected as the most popular Canadian documentary in this year's Vancouver International Film Festival, Peace Out offers a rather profound perspective and is well worth your time.  

Written by :

pacaderm91