Atlantic

Atlantic is a captivating 2016 feature-length documentary film that is masterfully narrated by the revered Irish actor, Brendan Gleeson. The movie is directed by the experienced and revered filmmaker Risteard Ó Domhnaill, who also wrote and directed the much-celebrated documentary, "The Pipe." With a running time of approximately 75 minutes, Atlantic is a movie that is set against the troubled backdrop of an increasingly corporatized maritime industry that burdens the time-honored fishing communities on the North Atlantic coasts of Canada, Norway, and Ireland.

Atlantic craftily unravels the harsh realities and unforeseen devastating consequences of oil exploration and overfishing that have drastically affected the once thriving fishing communities across the Atlantic Ocean. Following the success of "The Pipe," Risteard O'Domhnaill was inspired to make a more expansive documentary that took a broader look at man's relationship with the ocean, and thus we have Atlantic. Through the use of stunning cinematography, Ó Domhnaill offers an intimate look at the lives of individuals from three fishing communities who are all fighting for survival amidst politics, big business, and the unsettling degradation of their maritime environments.

The documentary is incredibly thought-provoking and presents multiple perspectives on its subjects. This is effectively achieved through Gleeson's expert narrative craft, as well as through the distinct graphical imageries showcased throughout the film. All these elements combine to strongly convey the dire urgency of the film's central themes as well as the beleaguered state of those who depend on the Atlantic Ocean for their livelihoods.

The narrative primarily follows the lives of three men from the fishing communities in Newfoundland (Canada), Norway and the West of Ireland. Each of these individuals’ lives has been intertwined with the sea for generations, but now they find themselves at the forefront of a relentless battle against multinational corporations that seek to monopolize the resources they once freely relied on. Already suffering from the direct aftermath of their respective government’s policies deregulating the fishing industry, they are now subjected to the vagaries of oil explorers and multinational fishing corporations that are devastating their surroundings with impunity.

Through Gleeson's narration, we are drawn into their lives and struggles, offering a macro view of the globalized economy's impact on their local, more independent ways of life. It is a heartbreaking revelation that gives a poignant voice to these communities affected by governmental policies, economic shifts, and corporate maneuverings which are often ignored by media coverage and contemporary discourse.

The strength of Atlantic lies in its effective ability to humanize a complex global issue and bring it down to the grassroots level. The documentary vividly captures the fishermen's struggles, their resilience, and their unyielding love for the sea. It conveys the despair of these communities and individuals who, despite being affected most by the corporate exploitation of natural resources and deregulation, have the least say in the decisions that directly impact their lives and their livelihoods.

Technically, Atlantic is a stunning masterpiece. It manages to blend the personal stories of the individuals involved with the vivid portrayals of the harsh and often inhospitable sea. The cinematography beautifully captures every detail of their daily lives and the environment around them, making the audience feel as if they are part of the struggle. The powerful sound design expertly complements the visuals by immersing us in the sounds of the sea and the fishing communities, bringing additional depth and immediacy to the narrative.

Additionally, the film’s score, composed by the noted musician Tommy Flynn, imbues the narrative with a melancholic sweetness that underscores the nostalgic love these fishermen have for the sea and the cultural value of their disappearing way of life.

In a time characterized by increased concern over human impacts on the environment and the ethical responsibilities of corporations towards communities, Atlantic is an important and timely film that stimulates critical conversations about sustainable living and environmental certain. By offering a sincere and stirring perspective on the economic and environmental struggles faced by fishing communities, it ignites a renewed empathy for those toiling ceaselessly at the interface between man, nature and agriculture, to ensure the survival of their culture, their livelihoods, and the communities they call home.