The River (1938)
Featured Nonfiction
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31m
Mississippi River ravaged by unsustainable farming. TVA project offers hope for healing.
Pare Lorentz's 1938 documentary, The River, chronicles the story of the Mississippi River, weaving together historical footage, stunning cinematography, and a powerful narration. At the same time, The River transcends a straightforward documentary approach.
Lorentz employs a poetic and evocative style. The film utilizes symbolic imagery, like the relentless flow of water, to represent the river's power and the destructive consequences of human actions. The score by Virgil Thomson complements the visuals, with its dramatic shifts mirroring the film's emotional arc.
The River's innovative editing techniques further its experimental nature. Juxtapositions of historical events with present-day struggles create a sense of urgency and connection. The film avoids a strictly chronological narrative, instead building a thematic argument about the need for environmental responsibility.
The River's influence on documentary filmmaking is significant. It challenged the notion of documentaries as purely objective records, paving the way for a more subjective and evocative approach that uses form to amplify content.
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