This is a very interesting film. Unlike most other documentaries, I don't think "The Falls" attempts to be objective. The point of the film seems to be to critically examine the inner workings of a tourist trap, namely Niagara Falls. And it does so ruthlessly, in a very haunting, often disturbing yet inexplicably compelling way.
The critique however, is not rammed down our throats with narration; instead, we are merely shown a series of images, sound clips, slow-motion sequences, racks of cheap souvenirs and their vendors cast against the natural history of the falls itself. It becomes a very uncomfortable experience to watch how man has transformed a natural wonder into a tacky amusement. The shots of the whales and dolphins doing tricks at Marineland are particularly disturbing.
Whether or not you agree with the cynical view of "Niagra Falls the tourist trap" put forward, there is no denying the fact that this film contains some incredible photography and ingenious editing. A hypnotic experience that far surpassed what I would've otherwise expected.
****/5
The critique however, is not rammed down our throats with narration; instead, we are merely shown a series of images, sound clips, slow-motion sequences, racks of cheap souvenirs and their vendors cast against the natural history of the falls itself. It becomes a very uncomfortable experience to watch how man has transformed a natural wonder into a tacky amusement. The shots of the whales and dolphins doing tricks at Marineland are particularly disturbing.
Whether or not you agree with the cynical view of "Niagra Falls the tourist trap" put forward, there is no denying the fact that this film contains some incredible photography and ingenious editing. A hypnotic experience that far surpassed what I would've otherwise expected.
****/5
