20130814: Documentary Review--Journey to the Sea of Cortez

Journey to the Sea of Cortez (hulu+)

1. Live action documentary, 2011.
2. IMDB: no entries.
3. Rotten Tomatoes: only a stub.  Looks like I entered the first review.


4. John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts mounted a mini-expedition to the Sea of Cortez (called the Gulf of California in the USA these days) in 1940, before the USA entered World War II.  The film uses modern camera work to update and discuss the findings of Steinbeck and Ricketts.


5. Ricketts was a marine biologist and ecologist who passed away in 1948.  He and Steinbeck were good friends who were interested in the interactions among climate, ocean conditions, sea life, and human beings.  Some of the characters in Steinbeck's books were based on Ricketts.


6. The expedition culminated in a book (Sea of Cortez) published 05 dec 1940, two days before the USA joined World War II.  The book's impact was muted by the war.


7. The film drives home the point that at least a few people were aware of ecological issues even as early as 1940.  It points out some of the devastating effects of overfishing and the overuse of the water of the Colorado River.


8. Most of the film, though, is about the great beauty and wealth of wildlife that still exists in the Sea of Cortez.  It's a delight to the eye.


9. One line summary:  The great beauty and wealth of wildlife that still exists in the Sea of Cortez.
10. Five stars of five.

Cinematography: 10/10 Framing, focus, colour, depth of field, contrast, and sufficiency of light were all top notch.

Sound: 10/10

Acting: N/A; this is all narrated footage of sea life and ocean environment.

Screenplay: 10/10 Engaging and educating.