Unacceptable Levels

Unacceptable Levels is an elightening 2013 documentary that attempts to break down a complex issue that affects us all: Synthetic chemicals. The film features Ken Cook, co-founder and president of the Environmental Working Group, Christopher Gavigan, author and founder of The Honest Company, and Jeffrey Hollender, co-founder of Seventh Generation Inc., who provide their expert insights on this disconcerting issue.

The movie draws into focus the inextricable and increasingly troublesome connection between our health and exposure to synthetic chemicals. Positioned in a broader anthropogenic context, Unacceptable Levels subtly and inherently challenges viewers to question the status quo and rethink our chemical-laden modern society.

Directed and produced by Ed Brown, a first-time filmmaker who embarked on this project after the health of his wife and two children fell into inexplicable decline, Unacceptable Levels unfolds as a personal narrative. The viewer learns, along with Brown, about the pervasiveness of chemicals in our lives, and their impact on our health and environment. Despite the profundity of the issue, Brown manages to maintain an emotional resonance throughout the film, keeping the narrative both accessible and impactful.

In Unacceptable Levels, Brown opens up about his family's personal struggle with unexplained health issues, which is likely to resonate with a vast number of audiences. As he sets out to find answers, he carries the viewers along in his journey, interviewing top scientists, advocates, and policymakers and asking poignant questions that should concern us all. The film's exploration of a critical social issue makes it a powerful and moving documentary about the human capacity for survival and innovation in the face of challenges.

Ken Cook, Christopher Gavigan, and Jeffrey Hollender bring significant intellectual weight and credibility to this thought-provoking documentary. Cook is widely recognized as one of the environmental community's eminent speakers and strategists, while Gavigan is recognized for his efforts to create non-toxic products for families, and Hollender for his commitment to creating a more sustainable world.

Throughout the course of the film, the viewer gets a thorough breakdown of the individual roles these harmful synthetic chemicals play in affecting biological systems. The documentary touches on various key areas, including the rising incidence of many diseases, the questionable practices of corporate giants in the chemical industry, the role of government regulations, and the implications for human health. With each story it tells, the film shines a much-needed light on the dire state of affairs, prompting viewers to pause and reflect on their daily lives and choices.

Unacceptable Levels makes extensive use of testimonials, interviews, and compelling visual aids to show the serious threat that chemicals pose to society today. The movie does not shy away from complex terminologies and concepts. Yet, it finds a remarkable balance in presenting these in an easy-to-digest manner, ensuring audience comprehension while driving home the gravity of its central theme effectively.

The film, as the name suggests, emphasizes the 'unacceptable levels' of synthetic chemicals present in our bodies, a reality we are living with, often unknowingly. Simultaneously, it also explores the various facets of our modern lifestyle that are contributing to this issue and raises pertinent questions about the unsustainable system.

While Unacceptable Levels paints a worrying picture of the state of our world, it also offers a light at the end of the tunnel. The film leaves viewers with the hope that it is possible to alter our lifestyles and choices for the better. It demonstrates that a conscious, collective effort can undoubtedly bear fruit and pave the way for more sustainable, healthy living.

Unacceptable Levels is a must-watch for those interested in environmental and health issues and the broader societal implications therein. It's both compelling and illuminating while encouraging viewers to take a hard look at their environment, their health and the impact of individual actions on the collective good. With its thought-provoking perspective, the movie is an impactful exploration into the hidden dangers of our modern world and a catalyst for a critical conversation about our future.