In the Wake of the Flood

"In the Wake of the Flood" is a profound and thought-provoking Canadian documentary film that offers a transformative viewing experience. Even though the film was released in 2010, its themes and messages still resonate today and provide a commentary on environmental responsibilities and human-nature dynamics in a stirring manner. This remarkable movie features and revolves around the celebrated author, Margaret Atwood.

At the heart of this film lies Atwood's deep concern and advocacy for the environment accompanied by her steadfast commitment to literary art. Renowned for her unique and influential voice in the domain of speculative fiction, Atwood offers a compelling presence in the film. "In the Wake of the Flood" accompanies Atwood on her unconventional book tour for her novel "The Year of the Flood." This unique journey taken by Ron Mann, the director, allows the audiences to delve into Atwood's world and thought process.

The film focuses on Atwood's distinctive promotional tour for her novel, which was a significant departure from conventional book launches. Instead of the usual readings and signings, Atwood opted for stunning performance pieces that combined elements of theatre, music, and lecture. These performances, which took place in various countries, were not just marketing strategies for the book, but they integrated social and environmental activism and fundraising. The proceeds from the performances were directed towards supportive organizations associated with birds, an aspect of nature that Atwood fervently loves and highlights in the film.

While the documentary largely documents Atwood's path-breaking book tour, it also gives audiences a peek into the author's personal and professional life. Scenes showing Atwood at home, her interactions with fans, her collaboration with artists and actors participating in the performances provide viewers an intimate understanding of this literary luminary. It’s more than just a glimpse at her book-tours, the documentary serves as an exploration to better understand Atwood, her opinions, and passions.

The film successfully accentuates the environmental urgency that prompted Atwood's endeavors. It makes a strong case for humanity's connection to and dependency on the Earth. Atwood's simple yet profound reflections on nature and humanity's place within it are seamlessly embedded within the narrative. The connectivity between the audience, Atwood and cause amplifies through her profound words about our responsibilities towards the Earth, infused with her witty humor and sheer intellect.

Visually, "In the Wake of the Flood," is a cinematic delight. The film combines stunning shots of different landscapes from the locations of the book tour, moments from the performances, scenes of bird-watching with Atwood, and creative animations inspired by themes and elements from "The Year of the Flood." These varying visual elements are beautifully pieced together, ensuring a continuous flow to the narrative.

The musical score of the film complements its lofty environmental themes. The inclusion of songs from the book-tour performances, written by Orville Stoeber and sung by a diverse group of singers, resonates with the audience long after the film is over. The audio-visual experience becomes a medium for Atwood’s viewpoint on environmental consciousness to seep in deeply.

Yet, what stands out about the film is the seamless manner in which Mann integrates elements of literary theory, environment, stage performances, and celebrity culture, offering a unique viewing experience. It felicitously combines documentary-style realism with creative storytelling, making it both informative and entertaining.

"In the Wake of the Flood" could be considered a must-watch for several reasons. For Atwood fans and scholars, it provides an insightful look into the author and her work, whereas, for environmental enthusiasts, it provides an original and compelling interpretation of the realm. Importantly, for those unfamiliar with Atwood's work, it stands convincingly as a standalone commentary on the urgency of environmental conservation.

All in all, "In the Wake of the Flood" is a thoughtfully crafted documentary that not only offers a deep dive into the work and world of the treasured author Margaret Atwood but also successfully conveys her passion for environmental preservation through a blend of film, music, and literature. It’s an engaging pictorial representation of a literary phenomenon who leverages her stardom for a cause close to her heart. This unseen journey unfolds through her laudable effort, amplifying the belief in environmental preservation and responsible artistry.