Filmmakers Shuchen Tan, Ijsbrand van Veelen, and Rudi Boon's cogent documentary Energy War will likely cause anxiety in car owners with its central argument that a new wave of superpowers are emerging in politically unpredictable but resource-rich nations such as Iran, Venezuela, and Vladimir Putin-controlled Russia—all of which share a common mistrust (if not down-and-out loathing) for the United States. The film offers insights from New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman (The World Is Flat) and geologist Kenneth Deffeyes (author of Hubbert's Peak: The Impending World Oil Shortage) on the disturbing relationship between oil-producing nations and those countries that are unable to break their fuel addiction. In addition, the film considers the increasing environmental impact of oil usage in the future. A depressing tale, to be certain; however, Energy War loses some credibility with its blithe insistence that alternative sources are available that will easily alleviate the problems, a stance that overlooks too many basic questions plaguing the alternative energy sector, ranging from expensive technologies to a lack of both consumer and government enthusiasm for many of these solutions. Nevertheless, this documentary effectively adds to the current necessary conversation regarding this vital and timely issue. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)
Energy War
(2007) 78 min. DVD: $398. Icarus Films. PPR. Volume 23, Issue 5
Energy War
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