Suzanne Taylor directs this documentary about the thousands of true believers who are drawn to crop circles—the strange geometric images that appeared in barley fields (mostly in southern England) several decades ago, prompting questions as to whether the phenomena were an elaborate hoax, or an attempt by extraterrestrials to communicate with Earth dwellers (possibly with some connection to the ancient megaliths dotting the British Isles). Taylor shares her sympathetic interactions with the “croppies”—artists, scientists, philosophers, farmers, and others—as they tread across the fields, recline in the barley, or engage in yoga meditations near the circles. Certainly, the designs provoke strong emotions, even leading one person to divorce a non-believing spouse. Enthusiasts view the crop circles as a message of encouragement, a path to spiritual healing, and a way to develop new methods of thinking and feeling. While it offers excellent views of the often beautiful patterns and makes interesting points about related mysteries and misinformation, the documentary eventually deteriorates into a talking-head marathon in which each speaker seemingly tries to outdo the others with extravagant claims about the subject's importance. DVD extras include a tribute to Harvard psychiatrist and abduction researcher John Mack (who is also featured in the film). Optional. Aud: P. (S. Rees)
What on Earth? Inside the Crop Circle Mystery
(2009) 81 min. DVD: $19.95. Mighty Companions (avail. from most distributors). Volume 26, Issue 6
What on Earth? Inside the Crop Circle Mystery
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