MartinHafer
"Plagues and Pleasures on the Salton Sea" is a documentary that examines the heyday of this huge accidentally created saltwater lake in California but mostly focuses on the lake today--now that the lake has become a bit of a nuisance and most of the landowners have moved. It consists of some narration and stock footage but mostly it's interviews with the folks who have inexplicably chosen to stay.I saw this film to two reason--I like documentaries and it was narrated by John Waters. Having Waters' involvement made me assume that the film was very quirky--as did the description from Netflix. Well, I will admit a few of the folks were very quirky (especially the 75 year-old nudist---EWWWW!!!), the overall film was only mildly interesting and not much more. Now I am sure the film would have been more interesting had I lived in California, but for most folks it probably will be a hard sell.
Jim (ilumin8r)
I first visited the Salton Sea on February 12, 2003. I was in Palm Springs on business. After my workday was done, I saw this big lake on the map not far from Palm Springs. I had never heard of and decided to check it out in person. Ever since that day, I've been drawn to it. The place is simply awesome.This movie is an excellent introduction to the Sea and those that inhabit it's shores. It showcases the stark beauty of the Sea, along with the quirky people who live there. I found it a very interesting tale, presented in a way that resonates with the average viewer. The movie is thought provoking in the way it shows the history of the sea and glimpses it's future.I found it to be an excellent representation of the place I have come to know and love. And it filled in a few blanks for me as well. The humorous take on some of the issues does not disappoint, and John Waters's narration adds appropriate, salient punctuation marks to the story.I would recommend for everyone who can -- go see this film. You will not be disappointed. And also go see the Sea... the film shows what is largely still the current status of the Sea, but parts of it have already changed significantly since the film was released. If you can, see the Sea before it changes for good. But even if you can't make it to the Sea, SEE THIS FILM. It's the best thing going for this place of strange beauty...
rrbruce-1
This is a great film that highlights the wonder and hart-break of the people that inhabit this great California dream-scape. In this film (narated by legendary film maker John Waters) the story unfolds in interviews by the people that inhabit this strange land, some raving about it's wonder, some panning this ecological disaster, but all of them true, on target and with the utmost sincerity. The film does not flinch away from controversy, and gives a balanced picture of the current population and activity of the area. Some of the interviews are truly funny while others are heartbreaking. Any attempt to explain what is really up at the Salton Sea would not be simple since there are people who really love it, and people that have been ruined and brought down by the lack of intervention in the decline of this ounce great "California Riviara" But the film seccedes beautifully in showing the Plagues and Pleasures on the Salton Sea fro every angle. It is a brilliant documentary!!!!
ninspinster
I actually ended up at this movie by accident at a film festival, and it ended up being the best film I saw all weekend. Don't let the environmental message put you off - this a warm and tender film told by the quirky, engaging individuals that live in the communities surrounding the Salton Sea. John Waters is a perfect narrator, since he embraces and celebrates all things eccentric. I had never been to the Salton Sea & knew nothing about how it had been formed in the first place and what an ecological disaster it has become. But what resonated with me about this film was the people that live there and their stories - why they came in the first place, why they stayed, and what they're doing to try and improve things in their communities. I think of them quite often and wonder how they're doing.
AD
