Plagues and Pleasures on the Salton Sea

Another example of how you just can't make this stuff up. Salton Sea provides fascinating insights into characters we don't get to interact with on a daily - or even lifetime - basis. Their struggles for a peaceful, healthy, rewarding lifestyle may mirror many others, but their circumstances are truly unique.

Living on an environmentally-challenged site that witnessed large-scale natural and unnatural alterations requires an unusual perspective. And that perspective is captured quite well in this film. Not something we're treated to on "extreme makeover" reality TV.

Plus, how can you not love the John Waters narration?

Just a short time ago I did not even know the Salton Sea existed and after seeing Plagues and Pleasures I feel like I have been there. This film tells a very interesting story about a unique place in the U.S. "Rise and fall," as put by another reviewer, captures the situation of Salton Sea area well.

The story reminds me of a local area with a somewhat parallel story (Big Cypress National Preserve in South Florida). There are similarly quirky characters and imagery of "things left behind" or "what could have been" in this area claimed by the National Park Service in the 1970's. It would be nice to see a documentary of this area done by the same team!

I've watched the Salton Sea doc twice. I enjoyed it on several different levels. It was an eerie and exceptional sociological document. It illuminated a quirky, interesting and little known part of California history. And it was timely as far as the decline (and the 'fashion') of support for environmental issues. The film resonated with me for several days after viewing. That's more than I can say for most. This is a unique and interesting film. A strange testament to the highs and lows of development, and the fighting fringey independent spirit of desert culture - it enhanced my perspective on the people of the region. It's well worth watching.

Hot Dang that doc was good! Makes me want to pack up my golf cart, bargain with the Landman about a plot of sand, then celebrate my dusty turf acquisition over a beer and sun-dried Tilapia with Hunky Daddy. Maybe even share a smoke with....everybody. The filmmakers did a great job of historically documenting the man made lake, cumulating in a the man made mistake, which ultimately put the Salton Sea on the map as an unconventional tourist resort. The doc captures the rise and demise of this desert oasis turned environmental time bomb as told through some memorable local residents. Brilliant. Great use of graphics too. I liked the use of historical footage and photographs, and some camera effects used to 'age' some new footage.

I just viewed this documentary and loved it. The film is a perfect balance of humor and substance. At times, it screens more like a comedy flick than documentary. Regardless, you quickly become engrossed with the inhabitants of Salton Sea; a relatively obscure area located in southeastern California.

I suggest this film for anyone who loves evocative films that showcase humanity at both it's best and worst. A truly genuine study in socio-economics, politics, environmental affairs, hope and despair.

I know that this film has a market outside of the "art" theatre and film fest circuit. It is quirky at times but will certainly leave a lasting impression on you.