Watch Manufactured Landscapes

Manufactured Landscapes is a documentary movie from 2006 exploring the work of renowned Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky, as he captures and chronicles the impacts of human intervention on the natural environment. The film is directed by Jennifer Baichwal, and was shot over a period of three years in China, Canada, and Bangladesh.

The film spans the career of the photographer, beginning with his early work as a landscape photographer in the mid-1980s, and covering his transformation into a chronicler of industrial landscapes as he worked to capture images of where the manufacturing and industrial world meet the earth. The film explores the themes of the impact of urbanization on the natural landscape, the consequences of unchecked industrialism, and the ways in which humans have transformed the environment.

The film is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of Burtynsky's work. The first part of the movie centers around his work in China, where he captures the stark contrasts between human-made landscapes such as factories and mines, and the surrounding natural environment. The juxtapositions are striking, as Burtynsky captures images of panoramic landscapes that have been transformed into polluted wastelands by human intervention.

The second part of the film explores the manufacturing process itself, taking the viewer on a journey through factories where workers put in long hours producing goods for export to the West. Here the cinematography is particularly stunning, as the camera pans over the enormous assembly lines of factories that are staffed by thousands of people, producing everything from light bulbs to high-tech electronics.

The third part of the film looks at the end of the production cycle, as Burtynsky documents the disposal of electronic waste in rural Chinese villages. The images are both beautiful and heartbreaking, as the waste of the developed world is dumped in the countryside where it contaminates waterways and poisons the soil.

Throughout the movie, Burtynsky's photographs tell a story of the changing relationship between humans and the natural environment, and the ways in which our need for modern conveniences has led to widespread environmental destruction. His iconic images, coupled with the film's exposé of the consequences of our collective actions, serve as a haunting reminder of the cost of our modern way of life.

The movie is also a meditation on the role of the artist in society, and the power of art to bring attention to important issues. Burtynsky's photography is not only beautiful but also a powerful tool for activism, as his images have been used to protest the environmental degradation that has occurred as a result of human intervention.

In summary, Manufactured Landscapes is a visually stunning and thought-provoking documentary that offers a deep exploration of the work of Edward Burtynsky. The film brings together striking cinematography, expert storytelling, and powerful imagery to create a compelling meditation on the impact of human intervention on the natural environment. The film's exploration of themes such as environmental degradation, modernization, and the role of art in society make it a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of art and activism.

Manufactured Landscapes is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 79.