Sundance London 2013: Blackfish Review

Director: Gabriela Cowperthwaite

Synopsis: A chronicle of Tilikum, a killer whale captured and trained at SeaWorld, that killed several trainers in captivity.

The vast ocean is home to millions of creatures – some harmless, and others extremely dangerous. Whilst the Orca whale has not been known to harm many humans, Blackfish aims to show that in an unnatural environment, they may be prone to shake up the statistics.

The 30-foot-deep tanks at SeaWorld at Orlando, Florida apparently hold many secrets. In Gabriela Cowperthwaite’s documentary we are privy to the murky depths of those tanks and the horror that happened several times within them. Starting off with footage of what you believe to be an attack, Cowperthwaite illustrates the tension that courses through the film right from the beginning.

Arranged with talking head interviews, illustrated depictions of court cases, and collections of incredible footage, Blackfish glides through its run time, as elegantly as some of the Orca performances. To watch the whales is enjoyable enough, but with the added danger that attracts the “killer” connotation, you are captivated. Tilikum is a mysterious focal point, forever surprising both you and those that had the (mis)fortune of being in his company. Much like Nim in Project Nim and the grizzlies in Grizzly Man, there’s no telling to how the fierce creature will behave – waiting for the assumed action constantly has you on edge.

One misjudgment, perhaps, is the lack of discussion about Dawn Brancheau, the third victim. Dawn’s death bookmarks the film and as the biography of Tilikum advances, we realise that Dawn’s death is soon to be upon us. Having seen an array of footage where Tilikum lashes out, there is the thought that we will see something of Dawn’s demise. It’s part-morbid curiosity, part-expectation (after witnessing quite a lot of horrifying footage) that we’ll see something of the attack. The lack of footage and the short eulogy of Dawn subtracts from some of the predicted poignancy. More empathy can be found in the tragic story about a trans-atlantic trainer, Alexis Martínez, who was also killed by a captive Orca.

There is also little suggestion about how to better - or eliminate – the cruel confinement of the resort whales. Despite this minor flaw, however, there is plenty of material to shock and disgust you about the situation – in a way,  Cowperthwaite’s smart way to avoid spoon-feeding you a boycott message. You will leave Blackfish surprised and stunned by all that is shown, and definitely with your own developed opinion that SeaWorld, Marineland, Loro Parque et al need to be closed down.

Helped by an eloquent score from Jeff Beal and Cowperthwaite’s fine-tuned direction, Blackfish can be extremely affecting at times. The unpredictable nature of these types of mammals and the strange connection people have with them (where death is nearly always at your door) continually makes for an interesting documentary. Blackfish may not stay with you as long as Herzog’s Grizzly Man manages to, but there’s no doubt that you’ll ever forget the footage and the emotion behind the story.

****

By Piers McCarthy. Also posted on LiveForFilms

Top 10 Interesting Male Voices in Cinema

Perhaps when flicking through channels it’s not so much a sight but a sound that grabs your attention; many times with actors such as the ones below you are attentive largely due to that voice. Here are ten of the most recognisable and interesting male voices in cinema:

10. Jeremy Irons – With a defining set of elocution skills and a gravelly voice, Irons blurs the idea of the seducer, the villain, and the intellect all with his lithe voice-box. 

9. James Earl Jones – Voicing two of the most iconic father-figures in cinema (spoiler alert), Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King, Jones will always be remembered in cinema for lending his vocals to two hugely successful family films.

8. Sam Elliot – Maybe he chewed on coal through his teenage life, maybe his Adam’s apple was moulded in clay, but whatever happened to Sam Elliot’s voice it has worked wonders for the actor. Most famous for his part in The Big Lebowski as The Stranger, Elliot has a voice that you could listen to all day. He narrates parts of Lewbowski and one would wish he could narrate nearly every film.

7. Michael Caine – Wonderfully dissected by Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan on The Trip, the varying tones and tempos of Caine’s voice has, throughout the years, brought more class and worth to his career. One of Britain’s most celebrated actors and a shining national treasure – a legacy certainly aided by the familiar delivery of lines such as “You’re only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!”

6. Arnold Schwarzenegger – One of the most parodied and imitated voices in cinematic history, Arnie’s muscles weren’t the only thing that brought him to the attention of millions. Getting few lines in the classic Terminator, one made him the legend he is today – “I’ll be back” – spoken with intensity and malice, cementing his popularity.

5. Werner Herzog – Another Eastern European on the list that is arguably less well-known (though his role in the new Jack Reacher film may change that) but with one a hell of an intriguing voice. Never easy to impersonate but one you wish you could. Herzog’s wondrous, curious mind is perfectly matched by a voice that alters with every question and philosophy he adds to his documentaries’ narration.

4. Patrick Stewart – Admired by so many people, and enamoured by Seth McFarlane so much that Stewart has offered his voice-work for many episodes of Family Guy and American Dad, Stewart is another British legend that can raise the roof on a theatre, invigorate an entire cinema audience and entertain everyone around the TV by the power of his voice.

3. Jimmy Stewart – The affable, charming and funny actor of Hollywood’s Golden Years could strike a chord with his smile and his jovial voice. The voice captures your attention; nuances of the stammers and drawl immortalise the personality of Stewart.

2. Morgan Freeman – A man with the ability to read the phone book and still keep you fascinated and emotional with every entry read out. Morgan Freeman has the perfect voice and it’s no wonder that he is asked to narrate an array of films and documentaries – you want to hear the man wax lyrical for hours on end.

1. Christopher Walken – The man with the most insane and entertaining voice around. The wacky, altering patterns in Walken’s dialogue cannot be found with any other actor. He appears menacing and confused all at the same time – his voice appears just as discomforting but nothing you cannot turn your attention away from.

Notable mentions: Jeff Bridges, Jeff Goldblum, Seth McFarlane, Ian McKellen, John Wayne, Tom Hanks, Patrick Warbuton, William Shatner, Jack Nicholson, Tommy Lee Jones, Willem Dafoe, Alan Rickman, Peter O'Toole

By Piers McCarthy. Also posted on Top10Films