Plastic Planet

Plastic Planet is a thought-provoking documentary film directed and written by Werner Boote. The film, released in 2009, stars Werner himself as its leading man. Supporting characters involve various global figures, scholars and researchers such as John Taylor and Peter Lieberzeit. The film aims to shed light on the pervasiveness of plastic in our modern world, its detrimental effects on our planet, and what it means for our future.

The film is presented in a first-person narrative style, allowing Boote to guide audiences through his journey of exploration and discovery. The film starts with a personal connection, tapping into his childhood fascination with plastic when his grandfather, once a manufacturer of plastic items, used to bring him plastic toys. His fascination quickly turns into concern and the tone of the film shifts to investigative journalism as he dives into the world of plastic.

The movie takes viewers on a global trip, from factories and retail shops in the west, to the slums of India and remotelands of Africa, exploring how this omnipresent material affects not just human life, but also marine life and the environment in general. As Werner points out, plastic is so ubiquitous in our lives that is impossible to evade. Be it our daily items or even our clothes, plastic has intruded every aspect of our life. He explores this invasion not just on a material level but pushes further to expose its harmful effects on health and raises questions of social justice.

Throughout the documentary, Boote interacts with several global figures, industry experts, and activists. One key figure is John Taylor, a tireless activist, who provides insightful commentary on the political and economic implications of plastic waste management. Another scholar, Peter Lieberzeit, shares his expertise on the chemical properties of plastic and its long-term consequences on human health and the environment.

Beyond these interactions, what stands out is Boote's examination of the economics of the plastic industry. He probes into how corporates market plastic products, from toys to water bottles, turning a blind eye to the environmental destruction they cause. He leads the audience on an exploration of the billions of plastic particles choking our oceans, pointing out the direct role of the corporations who profit from the production of plastic.

On the other hand, the devastation caused by our over-reliance on plastic is shown to disproportionately affect developing countries. These areas become dumping grounds for the world’s plastic waste, and the poorest communities bear the brunt. Boote does not shy away from showing the harsh, grim realities associated with improper disposal of plastic waste, especially in the third world countries.

The documentary comes out as an environmental horror movie, filled with unsettling facts about plastic and how it has come to dominate our world. In one startling sequence, for example, Boote delves into the toxic leaching of harmful chemicals from plastics into our food and the devastating health impacts that follow. With each plastic spoon and plate, we are unknowingly increasing our exposure to life-threatening chemicals.

The movie can be described as an alarming wake-up call, educating people about our heavy dependence on plastic and pushing us to rethink our daily choices. Its strength lies in its ability to take something seemingly simple and innocuous like plastic and expose it as a global environmental crisis.

In conclusion, Plastic Planet isn’t just an environmental documentary; it is an intellectual and emotional journey that spans continents, exposing the bitter truth of plastic pollution and the health risks we unknowingly carry around on a daily day basis. With its powerful narration and compelling visuals, Plastic Planet encourages viewers to reassess their relationship with plastic. It stands as an impactful call-to-action, challenging our view on this ubiquitous material that has entangled our lives and threatens our future.