It's a stereotype to think that all those who aren't with the 'ecochondriacs' are apathetic when it comes to environmental concerns, or in league with Big Oil fat cats. Not so. Look no further than Greenpeace co-founder Patrick Moore (whose latest book I'm presently reading), as a perfect example of this; a man who still cares deeply about ecology but who ended up having to leave the very organization he founded due to its becoming politicized/radicalized.
With that said, unfavorable reviews or critical comments of this film ought not to be perceived over-simplistically, as necessarily the rantings of 'climate deniers' or any other knee-jerk, pigeon-holing term, for that matter.
I think we can all agree that climate change exists and likely has since the planet was formed. Natural, cyclical fluctuations aside, where it starts getting debatable is when the anthropogenic factor is discussed and I, for one, feel one must always consider what ulterior motives or agenda, if any, someone has for advancing a dogmatic position as to this, one way or the other. There is a God. There is no God. Both views are capable of being held with an almost close-minded religious fervor.
Onto the film. As I see it, there's no reason to pan it even if you're not on page with the climate doomsayers. I'm certainly not, but I did find the documentary quite interesting and entertaining, nevertheless.
What little I knew and heard of Greta Thunberg prior to watching this is what made me want to see this film, more than anything else. She has been called a mascot for the environmental movement, and an unwitting pawn in a globalist plot to expand world government. (When the United Nations and the World Economic Forum are involved, it's enough to make you wonder.) We're told that her parents are or were in the entertainment business. I've also heard it said that Greta has claimed to possess the ability of being able to see carbon dioxide, if such a thing is even possible. I AM GRETA is quite watchable if viewed as a psychological/sociological study, if nothing else.
Two things immediately caught my attention as I watched the film. 1) How extremely curious it is to see Greta being filmed while sitting in front of a parliament building during her very first strike *prior* to her becoming world famous. Think about that for a minute. 2) The very first sound one hears is that of howling wind.
As to the first curiosity, there are those who think that Greta's (initial) strikes and her being discovered was not merely by accident or a coincidence, but something orchestrated and staged, and that what she has had to say in front of audiences has been for the most part scripted, possibly by handlers or her coach-like father.
Secondly, as one goes about watching this film it isn't entirely clear whether this climate activist/climate alarmist is all in a dither over 'adult-made' global warming or 'adult-made' climate change. For example, there's a scene of Greta huddled alongside protesters outside of a government building, bundled up in bulky coat, scarf, and toque. Later in the film, Greta is shown with her father, standing on the deck of an ocean liner, almost being knocked over from the blustery wind and looking every but chilled to the bone. Then there is her transatlantic trip aboard a boat (a publicity stunt?), where once again she appears uncomfortably cold.
There's no denying that Greta Thunberg is likable, however well-meaning albeit misguided one may think her to be in her cause. We learn from her father that she has a photographic memory when it comes to things that interest her, and yet at times she seems speechless whenever spontaneous questions are put to her by those she is seen in conversation with in the film. As for publicity and plaudits, Greta admits to not caring about being popular, despite the almost worshipful attention shown her by countless adoring fans who practically take to placing her atop a pedestal and making an idol out of her.
Which brings me to the most unsettling aspect in all this, in my opinion. Namely, how quick this girl ends up becoming a global sensation, especially with myriad (impressionable) youth across the world. Child psychologists refer to something called primary narcissism, which is the idea that children, in general, are born self-centered and think the planet revolves around them. There are selfies and camera-centric footage aplenty, in this. Next you have a whole generation being roused and taking to the streets in protest, in no time at all. Whereas some might look at this as amazing and something to be admired, from a sociological standpoint it can come across as disturbing, as proof as to how easily groupthink and mob mentalities can be created. (Really, I thought I saw this or something similar to this in "Occupy Unmasked," no?)
That children can be made to believe almost anything at a young age is a well-known fact, from those who are religiously indoctrinated to believe their faith is the only true one to those who eagerly await Santa Clause or the Tooth Fairy. Knowing how malleable the minds of kids are, that there exists youngsters who can be shown chastising grown-ups, well, there is certainly something surreal and off about this. Who knows. Maybe one day in the future Greta will look back upon these early days and shake her head in disbelief.
All in all, I AM GRETA is an intriguing viewing experience, regardless of where it is one stands on the whole climate change issue. I liked it enough that I watched it twice in the span of two days. Personally, the most enjoyable moments for me were watching Greta outside of her role as activist/alarmist, as in the scene that has her freestyle dancing in her pajamas, as if without a care in the world.
With that said, unfavorable reviews or critical comments of this film ought not to be perceived over-simplistically, as necessarily the rantings of 'climate deniers' or any other knee-jerk, pigeon-holing term, for that matter.
I think we can all agree that climate change exists and likely has since the planet was formed. Natural, cyclical fluctuations aside, where it starts getting debatable is when the anthropogenic factor is discussed and I, for one, feel one must always consider what ulterior motives or agenda, if any, someone has for advancing a dogmatic position as to this, one way or the other. There is a God. There is no God. Both views are capable of being held with an almost close-minded religious fervor.
Onto the film. As I see it, there's no reason to pan it even if you're not on page with the climate doomsayers. I'm certainly not, but I did find the documentary quite interesting and entertaining, nevertheless.
What little I knew and heard of Greta Thunberg prior to watching this is what made me want to see this film, more than anything else. She has been called a mascot for the environmental movement, and an unwitting pawn in a globalist plot to expand world government. (When the United Nations and the World Economic Forum are involved, it's enough to make you wonder.) We're told that her parents are or were in the entertainment business. I've also heard it said that Greta has claimed to possess the ability of being able to see carbon dioxide, if such a thing is even possible. I AM GRETA is quite watchable if viewed as a psychological/sociological study, if nothing else.
Two things immediately caught my attention as I watched the film. 1) How extremely curious it is to see Greta being filmed while sitting in front of a parliament building during her very first strike *prior* to her becoming world famous. Think about that for a minute. 2) The very first sound one hears is that of howling wind.
As to the first curiosity, there are those who think that Greta's (initial) strikes and her being discovered was not merely by accident or a coincidence, but something orchestrated and staged, and that what she has had to say in front of audiences has been for the most part scripted, possibly by handlers or her coach-like father.
Secondly, as one goes about watching this film it isn't entirely clear whether this climate activist/climate alarmist is all in a dither over 'adult-made' global warming or 'adult-made' climate change. For example, there's a scene of Greta huddled alongside protesters outside of a government building, bundled up in bulky coat, scarf, and toque. Later in the film, Greta is shown with her father, standing on the deck of an ocean liner, almost being knocked over from the blustery wind and looking every but chilled to the bone. Then there is her transatlantic trip aboard a boat (a publicity stunt?), where once again she appears uncomfortably cold.
There's no denying that Greta Thunberg is likable, however well-meaning albeit misguided one may think her to be in her cause. We learn from her father that she has a photographic memory when it comes to things that interest her, and yet at times she seems speechless whenever spontaneous questions are put to her by those she is seen in conversation with in the film. As for publicity and plaudits, Greta admits to not caring about being popular, despite the almost worshipful attention shown her by countless adoring fans who practically take to placing her atop a pedestal and making an idol out of her.
Which brings me to the most unsettling aspect in all this, in my opinion. Namely, how quick this girl ends up becoming a global sensation, especially with myriad (impressionable) youth across the world. Child psychologists refer to something called primary narcissism, which is the idea that children, in general, are born self-centered and think the planet revolves around them. There are selfies and camera-centric footage aplenty, in this. Next you have a whole generation being roused and taking to the streets in protest, in no time at all. Whereas some might look at this as amazing and something to be admired, from a sociological standpoint it can come across as disturbing, as proof as to how easily groupthink and mob mentalities can be created. (Really, I thought I saw this or something similar to this in "Occupy Unmasked," no?)
That children can be made to believe almost anything at a young age is a well-known fact, from those who are religiously indoctrinated to believe their faith is the only true one to those who eagerly await Santa Clause or the Tooth Fairy. Knowing how malleable the minds of kids are, that there exists youngsters who can be shown chastising grown-ups, well, there is certainly something surreal and off about this. Who knows. Maybe one day in the future Greta will look back upon these early days and shake her head in disbelief.
All in all, I AM GRETA is an intriguing viewing experience, regardless of where it is one stands on the whole climate change issue. I liked it enough that I watched it twice in the span of two days. Personally, the most enjoyable moments for me were watching Greta outside of her role as activist/alarmist, as in the scene that has her freestyle dancing in her pajamas, as if without a care in the world.