Analysis of Documentaries
Two very moving documentaries, “Chasing Ice”, “Semper Fi: Always Faithful”, were both available for us to view. Both films dealt with serious issues and were well worth the slight light that the filmmakers shed. “Chasing Ice” looks at the dramatic effects that humans have on the environment by focusing on melting glaciers. Amazing imagery allows the documentary to visually shock and expose the shockingly real effects that global warming has on the environment. It is a journey that begins with James Balog’s Extreme Ice Survey. Then it travels across continents to finally present his findings. The film has a dramatic climactic section where viewers are anxiously waiting for footage to be shown. “Semper Fi” is a smaller scale issue that still affects millions across the country. This documentary is a moving look at Camp Lejeune’s water pollution that has affected the children and their families over many years. “Chasingice” aimed to inform, but “Semper Fi,” a more exploitation-oriented piece, focused on the journey of informing. While both films dealt with a pressing issue, they were very similar. I think of “Chasing Ice”, as a way of informing people, and “Semper Fi,” more as documentation.
Both films feature a central protagonist, James Balog (“Chasing Ice”) and Master Sergeant Jerry Ensminger (“Semper Fi”) respectively. His passion for his project is infectious and contagious. His family’s testimonials and comments from his colleagues show his determination. He is the driving force behind the documentary. I can’t imagine any other person leading it. Jerry Ensminger is the main character in “Semper Fi”, with many supporting characters. Jerry’s story is fueled by the tragic death his young daughter died from water contamination. He is responsible for initiating the investigation into the misconduct of marines concerning Camp Lejeune’s water supply. Mike joins him on his quest for the truth. Mike, a man who was born at camp had his breast cancer. His story is almost like a secondary character in the documentary. It is very touching to hear his testimony at the meeting when they meet a representative from the marines. He starts to weep as he calls for the marine representative’s help. I found him to be very moving. While the films have a similar message of urgency, their audiences are different in terms of size. “Semper Fi,” geared toward the United States of America, is “Catching Ice”, a film that is more international in focus. “Semper Fi” focuses on a government injustice that affects the Marine Corps. This institution should be trusted and resolute. They are addressing the entire country and not just veterans or Marines. This is because it is a national issue that all citizens need to be aware. The country must be aware of injustices of this nature when there is no solution. Because this is a global problem “Chasing Ice”, has been aimed at the entire globe. The climate on the entire Earth has experienced drastic changes in recent decades. This is not the fault of any country or continent. The documentary isn’t a call for action, but it does make clear the need to change. It’s more a way to raise awareness.
Both films showcase the success of interviews by highlighting how they are used. The interviews in “Chasing Ice” enhance the story about James Balog’s passion and dedication to finding the truth on climate change. I found the interviews with James’ two young companions to be very interesting. Their stories are funny and easy to relate to. They did a wonderful job with their interviews. These interviews capture the excitement of a project such as this. James’ interviews with his family are a great way to see his dedication to the project.
They bring emotion to James’ film because he was often away from his family throughout the years of this project.
The emotional depth of “Semper Fi,” is evident in the interview material. Many of the stories are from people directly affected by water contamination. Family interviews, like “Chasing Ice,” are also used. Mike’s loved ones expressed concern about Mike’s health and offered support. It was obvious that his family didn’t enjoy the amount time spent on the topic and worried about not spending enough time with Mike. When it came to supporting characters interviews, the one that struck me most was the veteran who died in the course of filming. She lived a normal, fulfilling marine service. She went through Camp Lejeune while serving, and then continued her life. She couldn’t even handle the news of her diagnosis when she first heard it. The way the filmmakers filmed her story made it seem so normal. Cancer, like many other diseases, seemed to be something that happens to others and not to us. This was her death due to water contamination. It showed the power and potential of an interview.
Both documentaries have a theme that is suspenseful. You need to know what happens next. They used storytelling to engage their audience from the beginning to the end. They were both extremely factual as well as informative. The audience is attracted to the fact that “Semper Fi”, in which the information is slowly revealed, is not only emotional. I can understand why it was considered a feature movie. It is filled with dull suspense, which makes it seem like the movie will end with some good. The film grabs attention and encourages viewers to join Jerry Ensminger in this adventure. The suspense of “Chasing Ice” is based on the uncertainty about whether or not the cameras work. The mystery surrounding the end of the footage creates suspense.
I felt deep emotions in both films, but they all made me realize that something was wrong in the world and needed to change. Both films made me feel that there was change happening and that it is possible to make a difference if we all work together. “Chasing Ice,” a film that focuses on global warming, serves as a stark reminder to viewers that it is happening. It is happening because the people. They give convincing evidence that climate changes are real and address any doubters. “Semper Fi” tells of the tragic injustice inflicted on the families of marines who were contaminated at Camp Lejeune. The film has a profound impact on its audience. The documentary is difficult to ignore the emotion expressed by the people. Overall, the filmmakers did a remarkable job of engaging and capturing their audience.
