Learning To See: The World Of Insects

Learning to See: The World of Insects is a documentary film that redefines the way you look and appreciate the smallest creatures inhabiting our planet. Released in 2016, and primarily directed by Jake Oelman, this film is indeed an ode to the beauty, intricacy, and vastness of not just the world of insects but also the miraculous beauty that nature, in general, is filled with.

The movie trails Robert Oelman, a psychologist turned photographer who underwent a radical life change and went on to shoot and document some of the rarest insect species across the world. Eventually, these photographs bring a good amount of attention and respect in the world of photography and offer a new perspective of looking at insects, thereby intensifying the global understanding of biodiversity.

Learning to See: The World of Insects excellently depicts Robert's journey, from being a successful psychologist in the later half of his career to becoming a macro photographer, capturing the life of insects in their most subtle details. In his pursuit, he preposterously forsook his life in America and moved to Columbia in South America, a region renowned as a hotbed for biodiversity, particularly insects.

The substantial portion of the film is dedicated to his journey across the dense rainforests of Columbia, where he appears agile and curious in the trawl for beetle grubs, arachnids, and other exotic insects. The footage of these natural habitats, the intricate capturing of insects and their behavior in their natural surroundings gives the audience a window into an unseen world, making them realize the importance of preserving such places against human-induced harm.

Oelman's endeavors are beautifully depicted while his curiosities and hearts’ desires paint a comprehensive picture of his passion and the changes he encountered in this shift. The stunning visuals of the smallest of creatures, their unique structures, colors, behavior patterns, and diverse species are strikingly captured and portrayed in their full glory. This is elevated by the use of technology: the photographic resolutions and close-ups urge viewers to realize how blind they have been to such natural wonder.

Aside from documenting Robert Oelman's life and undertakings, the narrative also paces itself on occasions to emphasize certain aspects of biodiversity. It explicates how insects, albeit their minuscule size when compared to many other life forms, play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance. Suppressing our generally instilled fear and aversion to insects, the movie emphasises the importance and the beauty of insects and plants, which we would classically overlook.

As well, the movie doesn’t shy away from putting into view the dedication and effort it takes to document these visuals. The countless days it took to take one perfect shot, the geographical challenges, unpredictable weather, and many similar factors are showcased, which not only humanize Robert's work but also underline his drive to bring forward an overlooked world in front of the public eyes.

While the plot does focus on Robert, Learning to See: The World of Insects also emulates the essence of his personal and familial journey over the years. The director intricately takes into account Robert's relationship with his son, giving us an in-depth understanding of the human emotions, personal challenges, and way of life.

Overall, Learning to See: The World of Insects uses Robert Oelman's life as a base to bring forth the mesmerizing world of insects, urging us to appreciate the intricate details, beauty, and crucial roles these minuscule creatures play in maintaining the balance of our ecosystem. The film is a remarkable combination of breathtaking imagery, a moving personal narrative, and a hidden but incredibly significant environmental message. One can’t help but reflect upon their relationship with the smaller lives on our planet and admire their beauty once the end credits roll in.