MUBI

In Burtynsky’s denouement, he says, “If I said, ‘this is a terrible thing we’re doing to the planet,’ then people will either agree or disagree. By not saying what you should see, that may allow them to look at something that they have never looked at and to see their world a little differently. So I think many people today sit in that uncomfortable spot where we don’t necessarily wanna give up what we have, but we realize that what we’re doing is creating problems that run deep.” He’s absolutely right. The outcomes of globalization and mass industrialization fulfill the needs and desires of those with even moderate wealth but consign the laboring classes to dehumanizing experiences. This is a topic that can and should stir passionate responses, except in some unexpected way this film is strangely passionless. Despite being filled with disturbingly gorgeous images of the “back end technology” of manufacturing as it (sub)merges with nature, there is a sterility about the project that doesn’t let you get close to it. I found that the “stills gallery” offers more of the sort of commentary on context and process that could have instilled more feeling in the main feature. Burtynsky’s visited incredible places and seen shocking things. I’d like to know what he thinks about it, how it may have changed him, and by what providence he has been able to find the beauty in it. It misses the mark, but Manufactured Landscapes still makes for powerful viewing and would make a good companion piece to the film Our Daily Bread. 4 stars for the images and cinematography.