Apparently, this film has been criticized for its "talking heads" approach - but what talk it is! For much of If You Love This Planet Dr. Helen Caldicott mesmerizes the spectator with her clearly articulated and persuasively argued lecture against the nuclear arms race, circa 1982.
The intercutting of newsreel shots gives us a disturbing picture of the nuclear age. "As we drift towards unparalleled catastrophe", the images of bomb development, all supported by government policies, prove beyond doubt that scientists and politicians have unleashed a force capable of destroying the planet.
Dr. Caldicott speaks as scientist, medical doctor, historian and political activist. The film, directed by Terre Nash and an Oscar winner in 1983, presents a complete overview of nuclear age history, and a clear decisive statement of the dangers of irresponsible actions by the heads of government. The facts as she presents them are indisputable. The supporting visual evidence, particularly the newsreel shots of Hiroshima casualties, give impact and authority to her lecture.
Like Peter Watkins in the 1965 film The War Game, Dr. Caldicott is not afraid to present the grim, realistic facts of nuclear catastrophe. (The nuclear accident at Chernobyl later in the decade partly verifies her warnings.) At this time, Reagan is proposing the Star Wars program and she undermines the "lunatic-type statements" that all the president's men make to justify the arms build-up.
What can I do? Caldicott speaks to our social responsibility, and outlines the democratic policies of peaceful protest and persuasion. She takes the role of a doctor for the threatened planet, to some extent already diagnosed as a "terminally ill" patient. But it can still be saved. If you love this planet.
A wonderful time capsule for the early 1980s - and a timeless argument for social responsibility.
The intercutting of newsreel shots gives us a disturbing picture of the nuclear age. "As we drift towards unparalleled catastrophe", the images of bomb development, all supported by government policies, prove beyond doubt that scientists and politicians have unleashed a force capable of destroying the planet.
Dr. Caldicott speaks as scientist, medical doctor, historian and political activist. The film, directed by Terre Nash and an Oscar winner in 1983, presents a complete overview of nuclear age history, and a clear decisive statement of the dangers of irresponsible actions by the heads of government. The facts as she presents them are indisputable. The supporting visual evidence, particularly the newsreel shots of Hiroshima casualties, give impact and authority to her lecture.
Like Peter Watkins in the 1965 film The War Game, Dr. Caldicott is not afraid to present the grim, realistic facts of nuclear catastrophe. (The nuclear accident at Chernobyl later in the decade partly verifies her warnings.) At this time, Reagan is proposing the Star Wars program and she undermines the "lunatic-type statements" that all the president's men make to justify the arms build-up.
What can I do? Caldicott speaks to our social responsibility, and outlines the democratic policies of peaceful protest and persuasion. She takes the role of a doctor for the threatened planet, to some extent already diagnosed as a "terminally ill" patient. But it can still be saved. If you love this planet.
A wonderful time capsule for the early 1980s - and a timeless argument for social responsibility.