Film Analysis: It Is Better To Light One Candle

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It Is Better to Light One Candle
It is hypothesized that humans are living in a period of mass extinction, and in the past, Earth has experienced five. Leading causes for those periods include rapid climate change and natural disasters, but now scientists are accusing a new suspect– humans. The question that remains is: will humans survive the sixth mass extinction? The answer to that depends on our actions and how we respond to the growing issues in our world. The thrilling documentary directed by Academy Award-Winner Louie Psihoyos, Racing Extinction argues that every action, no matter how modest, matters in the effort towards preventing global mass extinction, a process that has been rapidly accelerating due to irresponsible human behavior. …show more content…

Footage with a carbon dioxide filter visually reveals that the massive amount of carbon dioxide comes from car and plane emissions, people exhaling, and fuel-burning plants (Racing Extinction). For most viewers this look at the infamous greenhouse gas can be astonishing and a true shock to the senses. Similarly, the methane filter works exactly like the carbon dioxide filter but instead shows how methane is a more potent greenhouse gas that is produced in great amounts by cows. The inclusion of both filters reminds the audience that even the smallest everyday actions can have a negative impact on the environment. Furthermore, Psihoyos shows how the solution can be as simple as not leaving the car running when it is not in use. Near the end of the film Psihoyos argues that if everyone in America were to eat vegan for only one day a week, it would have the same effect as taking 7.6 million cars off the road every year (Racing Extinction). This example of how to minimize the production of greenhouse gases confronts viewers that even individual eating habits have an effect on the overall health of the planet. Paired with the visible amounts of carbon dioxide and methane that is produced on a daily basis, the suggestion inclines the audience to become vegan as part of their service to nature. The visuals alone are enough to shame the audience, but to create emotional connections the film must appeal to another of the