Trouble the Water (2008)

A redemptive tale of an aspiring rap artist surviving failed levees and her own troubled past and seizing a chance for a new beginning.

Directors:

Carl Deal, Tia Lessin

Stars:

Michael Brown, George W. Bush, Julie Chen

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 8 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Michael Brown	...	Himself (archive footage)
George W. Bush	...	Himself (archive footage)
Julie Chen	...	Herself - Reporter (archive footage)
Ray Nagin	...	Himself (archive footage)
Brian Nobles	...	Himself
Wink Rivers	...	Himself
Kimberly Rivers Roberts	...	Herself
Scott Roberts	...	Himself
Larry Sims	...	Himself - Resident
Shepard Smith	...	Himself (voice) (archive sound)

Storyline

A redemptive tale of an aspiring rap artist surviving failed levees and her own troubled past and seizing a chance for a new beginning.

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Plot Keywords:

video camera | new orleans louisiana | flood | rapper | hurricane katrina

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Genres:

Documentary

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Certificate:

Unrated

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 December 2008 (UK)

Also Known As:

El corazón del Katrina

Filming Locations:

Alexandria, Louisiana, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$900,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$28,606 (USA) (22 August 2008)

Gross:

$519,981 (USA) (3 April 2009)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Elsewhere Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"Hurricane Waters"
Performed by Citizen Cope

User Reviews

Go see it!

A worthwhile trip through the disturbing events of Katrina, an honest film, even if on occasion not so subtly directing its viewers towards particular and easily-held opinions.

There are several striking images in the film, including a recording of a 911 call in which an woman requesting help can't get out of her attic which is flooding. The 911 attendant has to inform her that there is no help at this time, and the victim replies, "So I'm going to die?" Silence on the other end of the line.

It seems like the majority of the film is snatched from the video camera of a survivor, as such the footage can be, well, not professional, but in the end it doesn't matter, perhaps even adding to the realism. It turns out that the couple filming is a set of intriguing characters with admirable qualities. They are from the ninth ward, a poor section of New Orleans hit hardest by the storm, yet for those of us without that much contact with society's underbelly or the semi-destitute, they will probably surprise you with their values, intelligence, resolve and resourcefulness.

The strength of the film for me was not in any attempts at blame or inciting anger at a lack of assistance and the seeming complacency of leadership, but in a reflection on the human struggle, manifested through an inspiring family, and in a basic reminder to examine, nourish, and befriend your own community.