Plagues and Pleasures on the Salton Sea (2004) Reviews

• Great documentary on a little known part of the U.S.A.

  miamifiveoh2005-06-02

  Just a short time ago I did not even know the Salton Sea existed and after seeing Plagues and Pleasures I feel like I have been there. This film tells a very interesting story about a unique place in the U.S. "Rise and fall," as put by another reviewer, captures the situation of Salton Sea area well. The story reminds me of a local area with a somewhat parallel story (Big Cypress National Preserve in South Florida). There are similarly quirky characters and imagery of "things left behind" or "what could have been" in this area claimed by the National Park Service in the 1970's. It would be nice to see a documentary of this area done by the same team!

• a very poignant film....

  mmammola2005-06-08

  I just viewed this documentary and loved it. The film is a perfect balance of humor and substance. At times, it screens more like a comedy flick than documentary. Regardless, you quickly become engrossed with the inhabitants of Salton Sea; a relatively obscure area located in southeastern California. I suggest this film for anyone who loves evocative films that showcase humanity at both it's best and worst. A truly genuine study in socio-economics, politics, environmental affairs, hope and despair. I know that this film has a market outside of the "art" theatre and film fest circuit. It is quirky at times but will certainly leave a lasting impression on you.

• Excellent

  dfgmooney2005-04-23

  An entertaining and informative portrait of the myriad troubles and the wacky wonder of the sea. I've been fascinated with the place for years and am impressed by the funny yet serious approach the filmmakers took to clearly explain the complex political and environmental issues. The often off the wall locals who have created their own paradise at this troubled sea were presented with respect and love. The amazing stock footage from the sea's glamorous past contrasted sadly with today's deserted towns and fish and bird die-offs. And the sound track rocked. May 7, 2005 is the sea's centennial. Without intervention, it can't last much longer. Plagues and Pleasures should be required viewing for all California politicians. And all viewers will enjoy the strange history and unexpected beauty of this accidental sea.

• Heartbreaking and beautiful

  hilhanes2005-06-07

  As someone who grew up spending every summer and holiday at the Salton Sea with my grandmother who lived there for over 30 years, I couldn't believe how this wonderful film made me feel like I was right back there again. The film makers captured everything real and true about this beautiful place and while wanting to cry, it made me laugh at the same time. I can't thank Chris Metzler and Jeff Springer enough for making this film, the sea needs more people like them to bring it back to the way it was. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll cringe, you'll hide your eyes, you'll feel like you're there and you may fall in love with the place that time forgot. I agree with the person who said this film should be a required viewing for all California politicians!

• Lesser known folks from lesser known area = big doc

  greenplanet2005-06-30

  Hot Dang that doc was good! Makes me want to pack up my golf cart, bargain with the Landman about a plot of sand, then celebrate my dusty turf acquisition over a beer and sun-dried Tilapia with Hunky Daddy. Maybe even share a smoke with....everybody. The filmmakers did a great job of historically documenting the man made lake, cumulating in a the man made mistake, which ultimately put the Salton Sea on the map as an unconventional tourist resort. The doc captures the rise and demise of this desert oasis turned environmental time bomb as told through some memorable local residents. Brilliant. Great use of graphics too. I liked the use of historical footage and photographs, and some camera effects used to 'age' some new footage.