A surprising, and completely worthwhile documentary inspiring emotions from one end of the spectrum and down the other. The film follows Brazilian artist Vik Muniz (the nation's most famous) as he explores Rio de Janeiro's largest landfill, as well as the artwork he produces there. The film took three years to complete, from first meeting to Sundance, and in the director's own words, she was 'compelled, but terrified' by the prospect of doing a film like this. There were language barriers to overcome, but despite the English/Portuguese translations, the film managed to espouse a feeling of complete honesty and simplicity. Wasteland touched on themes of dignity, pride, respect in regards to the choices most of the landfill workers have to make. Oftentimes it was a question of morals, responsibility, and decisions that have guided the subjects in the film (the same subjects of Vik's work) to do what they do. The film follows a complete arc, citing the director's desire to maintain an organic, 'no plan' approach. It worked, and the film was fantastically presented, complemented incredibly by a soundtrack entirely from Moby.
In attendance: Director Lucy Walker and producer Hank Levine
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1/21/2010
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