Blackfish

Gabriela Cowperthwaite's investigative report on SeaWorld is a thought-provoking and compelling piece of activist filmmaking, questioning the wisdom of keeping orcas—or so-called killer whales—in captivity as entertainment providers in staged shows. The argument is presented in terms touching on the practical (a safety issue for staff) and ethical (asking whether it's appropriate to confine creatures—whose brains are in some respects more developed than our own—in an unnatural environment). Blackfish begins with widely-disseminated footage of the death of trainer Dawn Brancheau at the Orlando SeaWorld in 2010, before taking a deeper look at how for the past 40 years the industry has not only threatened the existence of these whales (by capturing young ones and disrupting their normal familial life), but also has systematically suppressed the truth about incidents in which confined whales have turned violent—including the notorious Tilikum, who has been responsible for several deaths. Presenting evidence that includes clips from news reports and interviews with marine experts, past employees, and patrons, Cowperthwaite makes a convincing case, citing episodes in which trainers were badly mauled, while also investigating an incident in which a young man was found dead in a whale tank (a story that park officials apparently manipulated in order to protect their business interests). Blackfishis unabashedly agenda-driven and one-sided, but that's not entirely the director's fault as SeaWorld representatives reportedly declined to be interviewed. Extras include audio commentary and bonus featurettes. This powerful Sundance Grand Jury Prize-nominated documentary is highly recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Gabriela Cowperthwaite and producer Manuel V. Oteyza, a “Note” from Cowperthwaite (9 min.), an “Alternatives to Captivity” PSA (2 min.), the behind-the-scenes segments “The Truth About Wild Whales” with Dr. Naomi Rose (5 min.), “Recollections of a Former SeaWorld Trainer” (5 min.), “Orca Teeth Show the Stress of Captivity” (3 min.), “Death by Mosquito” (3 min.), and “Kanduke” with former trainer Dean Gomersall (2 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a thought-provoking documentary.] (F. Swietek)