Watermark (2014) - Jennifer Baichwal & Edward Burtynsky

Jennifer Baichwal & Edward Burtynsky's Watermark is a dcomentary that deeply examines mankinds relationship with water.  This is an incredibly immersive film that explores both sides of the equation, from how we need it for our survival, to how mankind has re-shapped the water systems on our planet.  Watermark shows how important water is to our every day lives and not only from a survival perspective but from a recreational and spirtual perspectives as well.  One common annoyance that I tend to have with films like this is how they can come off as preachy but Watermark is more observational in nature.  Examining both grandscale examples like the construction of the Xiluoduo, a dam 6 times the size of Hoover, to miniscule examples like a swimming pool in the average residential home.  Watermark captures how we are drawn to water, what we have learned from it, and how we use it, while touching on the potential consequences of our use.  Watermark is very impressive visually, with some incredible compositions and soaring aerial photography that at times made me question how they pulled off some of these shots. The film covers so much ground in its examination that at times it can feel a little rushed together.  Watermark jumps so quickly from segment to segment that it never gives the viewer time to breath, which at times lead to me feeling a bit whiplashed.  In the end, Watermark is a fascinating documentary that should be praised for its all encompassing examination of our relationship with water. 

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