“Before the Flood”, an environmental documentary that has been a major hit in the last ten years, presents many facts about the topic of climate change. Leonardo DiCaprio uses this platform to explore the true nature and impact of climate change. Not only is it a future problem that must be addressed, but also a present fact that can have a lasting effect on the world as it exists today. DiCaprio has always advocated for a more advanced approach to understanding and managing climate change. However, this documentary is more direct and profound than any previous document. Because DiCaprio is well-known for his involvement in climate change, the documentary can reach a wider and more relevant audience, which will help to facilitate positive change. His passion for the subject is brought to the forefront by the film’s use of his name and approach. DiCaprio is a great asset in the film’s narration. It focuses on the issues, not complicated charts and jargon.
DiCaprio is playing a unique role. The movie centers on DiCaprio’s work as a scientist journalist and DiCaprio interviews prominent climate change experts. He speaks with researchers, innovators, as well as people living in areas where climate changes are already a significant issue. It is also possible to see their effects in these places. The way it addresses the issues is what makes “Before the Flood” so successful. (Bradshaw at 11) The film focuses on current events and the way they are affecting the world. It does not show charts or other information about the effects. Many of the effects are shown in spectacular cinematic shots. This makes the threat more vividly present. The film was directed and produced by Fisher Stevens, an Academy Award-winning documentarian and director. (Bradshaw 12). The film is targeted at younger audiences. This is why it does not include charts or high amounts of statistical data. Because of his involvement in film and other media, DiCaprio has become an integral part of modern media. Many youths and individuals of this generation genuinely connect with him. This stardom and his personal interest in the topic is what he uses to direct the conversation. (Bradshaw 14) He prefers to interview industry leaders and relate to the issue in order to draw in viewers.
Deadline claims that this is how the film succeeded in achieving its intended effect. There have been approximately 50,000 college students who have seen the film at universities across the nation. Additionally, more than 1,500 requests have come in from religious groups and colleges to hold screening events. (Gerard 2); The film is also a hot topic on Facebook and Twitter since its release. This is due in large part to DiCaprio being the main figure in the discussion about climate change. This film has been shown at numerous film festivals in the United States, including the Toronto Film Festival and London Film Festival. More than 200 colleges have shown the film at their campuses, while approximately 1000 churches and religious institutions also showed the film. (Gerard, 4)
This is because younger audiences are more likely to be interested in the message and information. The director uses cinematic storytelling to make the message appealing. The images show the progress made around the globe. They also include interviews with prominent leaders and footage of them discussing the subject. Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and John Kerry are among them. DiCaprio’s ability to reach out and interview important public figures and debate participants is another notable aspect of his approach. DiCaprio’s celebrity status allows him to reach out to people and engage them in ways that might not be possible for the average person or researcher.
These are just a few of the factors that make this film successful in showing how important climate changes are to our modern world.
But, it can also be seen negatively as this could hinder the overall impact that documentary aims to have on common man’s opinions. DiCaprio could be seen as a dissident because it may give those who disagree with his views the opportunity to dismiss the documentary as a propagandist piece. This has been a point DiCaprio made in previous interviews on the subject. He sees it as a kind of fad. To emphasize the fact that DiCaprio may have exaggerated the importance of the topic, critics have highlighted the absence any statistical backing throughout. (Sagansky at 31). DiCaprio responds to the critics with his vehement claims regarding the overall impact of climate change.
DiCaprio’s presence is a great way to get to know the audience and to share his thoughts. This is how he displays the information most effectively. His calm demeanor focuses on facts and his calm demeanor. Stevens takes advantage of this in many shots, allowing DiCaprio to explore the most difficult areas affected by the topic while also engaging in authentic and earnest discussion. (Sagansky at 30) This presence is a benefit to the film’s story overall and allows DiCaprio to be more present in the global debate. Particularly, DiCaprio’s approach to interviewing prominent national figures is one that exudes confidence. Through his roles as actor and activist, he has had the chance to meet these people over the course of both his professional and personal life. Because of the high profile of Obama and their honesty about the subject, the interview is especially effective. (Sagansky 26) Their similar views on the topic are evident and their conversational tone allows them to discuss the issue without resorting to political jargon. It is made more obvious by DiCaprio’s decision to talk about the topic shortly after he received his first Oscar. The film’s overall essence and most important aspects are defined by DiCaprio’s willingness to allow this presence. (Sagansky, 28)
“Before the Flood,” succeeds largely because Leonardo DiCaprio is the main presenter and narrator. His ability to understand the subject and provide a platform for more serious discussion is invaluable to the film. Forest Stevens gives DiCaprio the freedom to explore the subject as he sees fit. He focuses on the actual footage and not the statistics or charts or jargon that would accompany such a production. This film looks at climate change in this manner and provides the basis for the analysis. This is the film’s intended effect, as it appeals to younger viewers. This metric shows how remarkable the film’s success has been. Many institutions and groups around the globe have focused on DiCaprio and the message. After becoming viral on YouTube as well as Facebook, and generating over 50,000 viewers from students at screenings all around the globe, the film continues its relevance due to DiCaprio’s presentation and approach. It works well and is appreciated by critics, despite this possible setback.
