If a Tree Falls (2011, documentary) - Activism vs. terrorism in recommended doc.

♥♥♥♥

 

A destitute, ominous poster for Marshall Curry and Sam Cullman's If a Tree Falls

The film focuses especially on one young man's entrance into the activist organization the Earth Liberation Front, as the group's actions move from environmental activism to environmental terrorism, - depending on the viewer's own determination.

 

If a Tree Falls is written by co-writer/co-editor Matthew Hamachek (Gideon's Army (2013)) and co-writer/co-producer/co-director/co-editor Marshall Curry (Street Fight (2005, documentary)), who directed it with co-producer/co-director/cinematographer Sam Cullman (Beyond the Spin (2003, video)).

It is a distinction of the film that it doesn't draw conclusions on behalf of its audience, although just to get to know something about these activists of course for most people will mean increasing one's sympathy for them, despite the fact that their actions don't improve the environment to any considerable degree. 

The film takes a bit long in the investigation of the activists' radicalization. The most exciting part of the documentary is the final part concerning the trial.

 

Watch a clip from the film here

 

Cost: Unknown

Box office: 61k $

= Uncertain but likely a box office disaster (projected return of 0.20 times its cost)

[If a Tree Falls premiered January (Sundance Film Festival) and runs 85 minutes. 10 companies collaborated in the financing and production of the film. Shooting took place in Oregon. The film opened #78 to a 5k $ first weekend in 2 theaters in North America, where it did not achieve a higher position and grossed 61k $. The film was screened at several festivals as well, without recorded gross numbers. If made on a scant 300k $ budget, the film would rank as a box office disaster. The film was nominated for the Best Documentary Oscar, lost to Undefeated. Curry returned with Point and Shoot (2014, documentary); Cullman with Black Cherokee (2012, documentary short) and theatrically with Art and Craft (2014, documentary). If a Tree Falls is fresh at 88 % with a 7.00/10 critical average at Rotten Tomatoes.]

What do you think of If a Tree Falls?