Sprawling from Grace
David M. Edwards
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Plot Summary
This feature length documentary explores the ravages of American suburban sprawl, what America has lost as a result, and the perils we face if we don't change the way in which we build our cities. Americans have been lulled into a false sense of security by cheap energy that has allowed us to spread endlessly into our landscape. We are trapped behind the wheels of our automobiles. With the demand for oil outpacing the Earth's ability to supply it, this suburban living arrangement will fail. America's love affair with the automobile is unsustainable and, like Nero, we are fiddling away, confident that tomorrow will be as promising as today. The wake up call is coming.
Customer Reviews
A Good Introduction to the Downsides of Sprawl
The movie presents an excellent primer on the problems of urban sprawl. The interviewees are all knowledgeable on the subject and offer well thought out explanations of the problems and solutions. James Kunstler, author of the Geography of Nowhere, is especially a hoot to listen to. His views of the future are so negative that we all better hope he is wrong or we are in deep, deep trouble.
In summary, if you've studied urban planning issues to any extent, this documentary is unlikely to bring you any new information. However, if you are new to the subject or curious why your city is spending money on light rail rather than freeways, this film will be educational.
Meh
This is a fair, general overview of a pressing issue that we face in America today. I saw a lot of familiar faces, yet none were at their peak performance...it seems more like an infomercial than a documentary, or something in between. I'm a huge reader of urban studies material, and I could barely sit through Sprawling from Grace. Personally, I can't recommend renting it unless the concept seems really novel to you. With that being said, many thanks to the producers for getting this message out there. Now, can the sponsors give me my rental fee back? I wonder how many folks will pull this up and view it in their cul-de-sac homes?
Not really a documentary, but a propaganda film
...because the movie is made by a group promoting one side of the issue. This wasn't disclosed until the ending credits.
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