"Watermark" is the newest documentary by Jennifer Baichwal and you could probably take one quote from it to describe it the best way there is: It's about how water shapes us and how we shape water. Basically it shows us the different way in which water is used today in several branches. These include religion, science, economy, industry...
There is really not a lot more to say. The film provides decent information, but it is by no means a must-see. Also I felt that something was missing for this to become a quality movie. It is difficult to name it concretely, maybe the lack of narration, maybe something else. Apart from the occasionally stunning photography and impressive recordings of water masses, this film is really only a must-see for people who live in the areas depicted in this documentary.
Watermark
2013
Action / Documentary
Watermark
2013
Action / Documentary
Keywords: woman director
Plot summary
Vignettes demonstrating humankind's relationship to water are presented. Many of the vignettes portray water as a commodity, as integral part and parcel of the goings-on and/or as an input into the proceedings, often where its use affects its future use in another means. A few vignettes portray water in its cultural importance. Tying these vignettes together is a general presentation of the affect of climate change on how water can no longer be used as it once was, and how it will affect future use. Also tying them together is Edward Burtynsky putting together an equivalent book on the issue.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
Director
Top cast
Movie Reviews
90 minutes flowing slowly
Essential ... not
With the many documentaries that are coming out lately you are used to a high quality. Being because they are funny or because they are very interesting. Unfortunately this ticks neither of those boxes correctly. It seems to wander around like water would once you spill it ... no clear direction.
I think there is a very good movie hidden somewhere, but it will be tough for you to find it. It's a shame, because quite a lot of people would interested in more specifics rather just some "nature videos" and a couple of hints here and there, what goes wrong. Just when you think it is heading the right direction, it swerves and goes "wrong" again ... Shame
Poetic tone poem of a film about water and human beings
Stunningly beautiful and powerful images highlight this examination of how mankind re-shapes water and how it flows – for good and ill, more often ill - and in turn how the water re-shapes civilization and human behavior.
There's no real story, just a series of visits to locations around the world where water powerfully interacts with humanity, like the pilgrimage of 30 million people to bathe in the Ganges river.
Without narration and a specific focus the film could be accused of being too diffuse. But for me the raw power of the images – Burtynsky is one of our greatest still photographers who has spent much of his career creating huge images of humans and nature clashing and interacting - give the piece a poetic, if not literal power and solidity.
Also, if the film is not enough, there's an almost 40 minute gallery of Burtynsky's amazing still images, which look great blown up on a HD set, as he explains the photographs and how they were taken. That extra alone is reason enough to own the blu-ray. It's like the world's best photography book, with the images at least a little closer in size to Burtynsky's massive prints.