The Great Invisible

The Great Invisible is a poignant, deeply relevant documentary film released in 2014 that explores the human and environmental cost of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the largest marine oil spill in history. Directed by Margaret Brown, the film stars Meccah Boynton-Brown, Doug Brown, and Bob Cavnar, who all play significant roles as real-life subjects of the documentary.

The Great Invisible provides a multi-faceted view of the catastrophic oil spill, connecting the faceless elements of corporate politics, worker's safety, environmental conservation, and common people's livelihoods affected by the disaster. It is a rivetingly intimate exploration of one of the most devastating ecological events of our time, focusing not just on the aftermath, but also on the conditions and systems that led up to it.

At its heart, the film features a diverse cast of characters, selected to highlight the broad reach of the oil spill's impact. Meccah Boynton-Brown lends her voice as an environmental activist, Doug Brown, a former technician aboard the drilling rig, offers an insider's perspective on the actual events of the spill, and energy insider Bob Cavnar, provides the informed viewpoint of a person steeped in the industry. These unique perspectives, expert insights, and compelling personal narratives help to bring a human connection to the terrifying numbers and statistics associated with the spill.

The documentary provides a compelling, in-depth look into the world of Big Oil and the destruction left in the wake of the disaster. It probes into the culture of the oil industry, where profit often overshadows safety, shaping the lens through which we view the catastrophe. The film does not shy away from difficult subjects - it tackles head-on the oil industry's lack of regulation, and the apparent disregard for both human life and environmental conditions that led to the disaster.

One of the standout features of The Great Invisible is the nuanced way it presents the ecological disaster. The aftermath of the oil spill is rarely black and white. Instead, it is muddled with the greys of human need and desire for progress. This thought-provoking aspect is masterfully portrayed in the film, revealing harsh realities of our addiction to oil and how it shapes the modern world around us. As the film closely observes, it’s not just about the immediate and visible consequences, such as the rampant pollution and loss of wildlife, but also the long-term effects on local communities, their economy, and way of life.

The Great Invisible also shines a spotlight on the survivors of the Deepwater Horizon rig explosion, many of whom have been unable to speak previously. Their tales of survival add an intense emotional layer to the narrative, as they recount their personal experiences and struggles in the aftermath of the event. Their encounters, encounters, and experiences underscore the human cost of large-scale industrial disasters, sharing the profound physical and psychological trauma endured by those directly involved in the event. The film strikes a poignant balance between capturing their trauma and paying tribute to their resilience.

Powerful imagery is used throughout to lay bare the effects of the spill on the coastline, wildlife, and communities that depend on the Gulf for their survival. There are scenes of oil-drenched pelicans, blanketed shores, and close-up views of the oil still lurking beneath the surface of the water, highlighting the environmental devastation caused by the disaster. Juxtaposed against these are the human scenes – fishermen out of work, families struggling to make ends meet, and people suffering from health issues ostensibly tied to the spill, which further drive home the profound impact of the disaster.

Directed and produced by Peabody award-winning filmmaker Margaret Brown, The Great Invisible is a tragic but necessary watch. It combines comprehensive research, captivating storytelling, and stunning visuals to impart a significant message about corporate responsibility, environmental consciousness, and the human cost of our oil-driven economy. As a result, the film leaves its viewers with a deep understanding of the systemic failures that resulted not only in the initial disaster but also hindered the recovery efforts afterward.

In all, The Great Invisible is a masterful exploration of a complex issue. It crosses personal boundaries, corporate concerns, and environmental crises to form a cutting narrative critique that remains deeply relevant in today's world. Its release in 2014 provided a necessary reminder of the need for increased scrutiny and change within oil industry practices, reflecting not only the past but also the future we want to create in relation to our environment and planet.