Rats

Rats is a striking and engrossing documentary film, directed by acclaimed documentarian Morgan Spurlock of Super Size Me fame. Released in 2016, this film takes a bold stab at the taboo subject of rodents, focusing especially on their spread and impact on human society.

From the prominent streets of New York to the massive landscapes of the United Kingdom and the teeming areas of Southeast Asia, Spurlock explores the chilling cosmos of rats. The documentary features interviews and insights from Ed Sheehan, Bobby Corrigan, and Rick Simeone. Through their expert perspectives, the film offers a nuanced understanding of the resiliency of this often-loathed creature and its surprisingly complicated relationship with human beings.

Ed Sheehan, an internationally recognized pest control professional, contributes with substantive insights on the habits and behaviours of rats, as well as the risks they pose to people and property. His expertise and passion for addressing public health crises associated with rats add a significant weight to the narration.

Bobby Corrigan, one of the world's leading rodentologists, provides in-depth information about rats, their history, breeding patterns, adaptation skills, and their increasing population around the world. He brings a comprehensive scientific understanding that anchors the film's exploration of these creatures.

Complementing these inputs, Rick Simeone, Director of Pest Control Services in New York City, brings in his real-world experience to highlight the complexity of rat infestation in urban environments. He narrates the frontline fights against the rodents in one of the most populated cities in the world, unveiling the unseen struggle that cities endure to keep the rat population under control.

Rats takes viewers on a global journey, enlightening us on how different cultures deal with and perceive these pests. From temples in India where rats are revered and worshiped, to rice fields in Vietnam where rats are hunted for food, the film uncovers an astonishing array of human-rat relationships. The documentary even ventures across the pond to England and explores the reality of rat infestations in the modern urban environment of London.

The movie is not just an academic exploration or a comprehensive study of these creatures. It also delves into the socio-political aspects of this issue, examining how governance, public health policies, systemic inequities, and community apathy can contribute to the worsening of rat infestations. It underscores the global public health concerns posed by these seemingly insignificant creatures.

Spurlock's signature stylistic approach of presenting grim content with a touch of humor is evident throughout the documentary. The visual elements are remarkable, pushing the boundaries of traditional cinematography. Barry Paddock's cinematography is not for the faint-hearted, adopting an almost horror movie-inspired approach to the subject matter. Intriguingly unsettling shots are interspersed with jarring close-ups and spine-chilling basement explorations, to elicit reactions that range from intrigue, disgust, empathy, and amusement.

Spurlock doesn't shy away from highlighting the unpleasant and gross aspects associated with rats, delving into the roles they play as carriers of disease and the associated perils. Moreover, Rats allows for some introspection on human behavior and our contribution to the mess these pests create. Working toward cohabitation and understanding these creatures better, instead of harboring a mere disdain for them, is a striking message enveloped within the darkly engaging narrative.

The creators intend Rats not just to educate audiences about these resilient critters but also to force them to rethink their perspective on this microcosm of society that exists in almost every nation across the globe. It rings a bell about an issue that generally goes unnoticed or is deliberately ignored - focusing on the environmental and health impacts of urbanization and poor sanitation.

To sum it all up, Rats is a thought-provoking, impactful, and visually striking piece that strikes a balance between horror, humour, and hard facts. It's more than a venture into the world of rats; it's a trip into humanity's intricate relationship with the natural world, the dark corners of urbanization, and the consequences of turning a blind eye to a creature as humble as a rat.