The Last Mountain

The Last Mountain is a riveting documentary film released in 2011, which dives deep into the environmental, economic, and health hazards tagged along with the coal mining industry in West Virginia, United States. The film presents an exploration of the actual costs of coal mining that extend beyond the direct financial expenses. The narrative is driven by juxtaposing stunning natural landscapes, vibrant communities on one side, and the destructive extraction process of coal on the other, convincingly expounding on the strain these practices put upon the environment and human life.

Directed by Bill Haney, the film comprises a set of heartfelt interviews with people deeply affected due to the mining process. This compelling narrative is enriched by contributions from senior citizens to impassioned activists, residents to environmental experts, who all have something personal and significant to share, thus instantly hooking viewers into their harrowing experiences.

Susan Bird, an ordinary resident, emerges as one of the most compelling protagonists in the documentary. As a resident of Coal River Valley, Bird is a direct victim of the adverse conditions produced by mining for her and her family. Her journey comprises a series of tales depicting her battle against the harmful consequences of mining on West Virginia’s beautiful Coal River Mountain and its local populace.

The Last Mountain also presents compelling interviews with Don Blankenship, the former CEO of Massey Energy Company. His company was one of the biggest players in Appalachia's coal mining industry. Blankenship's interviews are revealing and startling, offering a glimpse of the industrial outlook on the issues dealt with in the film. His inclusion in the film gives the audience a richer perspective of the fundamental motives of the coal industry.

Flanked by Bird and Blankenship is Ron Burris, sharing the same love for the land but proceeding from a completely different perspective. His interactions give insights into civil rights, human health, and environmental issues related to mountaintop removal coal mining.

The Last Mountain also brings to light the potentially transformative power of wind energy. The wind farm project proposed as an alternative to mining represents a ray of hope amidst the somber context. This proposal for a renewable, sustainable, and healthy energy source shines a bright light on the possibilities for change.

One of the key strengths of the film is its ability to seamlessly intertwine personal stories with facts and data. It offers credible viewpoints from environmental activists like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who provides a look into the legal battles fought to preserve these communities and their landscapes. These elements work together to bring out a cinematically powerful narrative showcasing the life-threatening environmental crisis at hand.

Aside from the personal narratives, the film makes visually striking comparisons. The tranquil beauty of Coal River Mountain is often contrasted with scenes of destruction from mining operations. The film does an excellent job of using such striking visuals to engage the audience and drive home the magnitude of the damage that's being done.

Aesthetically, The Last Mountain is beautifully shot and emotionally provocative. The brilliant cinematography captures the serene beauty of West Virginia's mountains while simultaneously bringing to life the chilling reality of their sordid destruction. The documentary uses a balanced approach to tell its narrative, letting viewers see both sides of the story, although the overriding message is unequivocally anti-coal.

On a broader level, the film investigates America's addiction to coal, questioning the viability of the industry and exploring renewable energy alternatives. It takes the viewers on a comprehensive journey, elucidating the deep ties people in the region have with the land, and how they're fighting to protect it.

The Last Mountain is a timely and thought-provoking documentary that motivates viewers to question the status quo. By embracing complex contradictions, avoiding one-sided polemic, and shedding honest light on the situation, it speaks to some of the most urgent and important issues of our time. For those interested in environmental documentaries and the ongoing energy debate, The Last Mountain is a must-see.