The Last Mountain

The Last Mountain uses a formidable combination of striking images and irrefutable facts to bring attention to the issue of mountaintop removal (MTR) in America's Appalachian heartland. The central focus is on the Coal River Valley in West Virginia, where a small, scrappy community struggles to save the last remaining untainted mountain in their area from being blasted away for its coal resources. Filmmaker Bill Haney's camera contrasts the natural beauty of unspoiled areas with landscapes devastated by MTR, and he draws insights from assorted experts and citizens, who describe the negative effects on the ecosystem and the increasing incidence of people getting sick and dying from toxic runoff. The documentary highlights the involvement of high-pedigree environmentalist Robert Kennedy Jr., who attends activist meetings and makes speeches at anti-coal rallies. Viewers also get an insider's view of Massey Energy and how its union-busting honcho, Don Blankenship, dupes the locals into thinking that activism poses a threat to their jobs. Along the way, the film also describes how the railroads and fossil-fuel energy companies dodge EPA rules and solidify their barely legal operations (hint: campaign contributions to coal-friendly politicians). The Last Mountain wields its facts like weapons—not only to undermine the phony altruism of the coal mining industry but also to make an economically sound case for pursuing sustainable wind energy. DVD extras include deleted scenes, a Q&A with Kennedy, and celebrity PSAs. Highly recommended. [Note: this is also available for $100 w/PPR for high schools and public libraries, and $250 w/PPR for colleges and universities from Uncommon Productions (www.uncommonproductions.com).] Aud: C, P. (M. Sandlin)