Canadian filmmakers Jean-Francois Méan and Ian Lagarde headed south of the 49th parallel to make The American Savannah, a documentary arguing that lawns are seen “as an expression of American culture.” The filmmakers travel across the U.S. to illustrate America's supposed obsession with turf, which ranges from front lawns to baseball fields. Some of the material here is diverting and amusing—particularly the lawnmower racing segment—but the film's more serious focus is on the environmental impact of lawn maintenance, which not only makes excessive demands on the U.S. water supply, but the chemicals found in insecticides deployed to keep the grass critter-free may also be poisoning the ecosystem. The American Savannah raises interesting issues without necessarily offering much in the way of suggestion or solution. What, for example, is the alternative to having a lawn with accompanying upkeep? Astroturf, concrete, dirt? Still, this nicely filmed documentary—which includes both French and English language versions on the disc—should be considered a strong optional purchase for those who don't already own the similarly-themed Gimme Green (VL-9/08). Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)
The American Savannah
(2007) 52 min. In English or French. DVD or VHS: $89: public libraries; $229: colleges & universities. Ciné Fête. PPR. Volume 24, Issue 2
The American Savannah
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