Plagues and Pleasures on the Salton Sea

A nice little documentary about one of the saddest of California dreams gone sour, the man-made (originally by using diverted Colorado River water) but now largely land-locked Salton Sea, in the desert northeast of San Diego. At its peak in the 1950s, the Sea beckoned thousands to buy lots, throw up vacation homes or trailers, or simply show up for weekends of fishing and partying. Since then, however, there's been a steady downhill spiral. In prior winters marked by heavy rains, the water level rose, flooding out some developed areas. In more recent years, the water level has gradually been receding.

Artificially introduced fish species go through cycles of over- and under-population. High water temperatures, declining oxygenation and resultant fish die-offs breed algae, which reoxygenate the waters and start the next cycle. Now there are only a few old timers left around, folks without the means to escape, to buy a home elsewhere. A handful of economically marginal younger families have moved in, attracted by cheap housing. The waterfront generally looks deplorable. The last remaining eatery of any consequence just closed.

The filmmakers spent over 3½ years shooting this movie. Besides learning the history, they got to know the remaining residents well and were accepted and trusted. It shows in the relaxed candor of people's comments. Trouble is, most of these people are rather dull, so it's hard to sustain much interest in what they have to say. The most intriguing thing about the Sea is contemplating its future. While he was alive, Congressman Sonny Bono, who represented the area, tried to attract federal resources to rejuvenate the Sea. Since his skiing death, that effort has gone astray.

The environmental issues are troubling. The Sea is shrinking in volume partially because of the recent diversion of inflow to nearby populated areas that in fact want even more water from this source. If the Sea is allowed to dry up, this will remove the last major marshy area available in southern California for migratory birds, who pass through by the millions each year. Moreover, alkali dust storms from a dry seabed could blow north to affect the ecology of Palm Springs. Sustaining the Sea in a manner that can control its high salinity and wildly variable fish and algae cycles will take resources that so far seem unlikely to materialize.

These environmental issues are only touched upon lightly in the version of the film I saw. Afterward, I spoke with co-director Chris Metzler, who was present for this screening (at the Idaho International Film Festival). He told me he has a longer version of the film that does explore these issues in greater depth. The challenge, he says, lies is balancing the interests of different target audiences: i.e., environmentalists versus people just curious about a funky place versus those with nostalgic ties to the Salton Sea (one such family, who regularly vacationed there in the 50s and 60s, was present at this screening).

Metzler says he has had trouble with distribution and even festival acceptances because reviewers think the film is too narrowly focused on a quirky, one-of-a-kind place. That's too bad. The Salton Sea story is really emblematic of many, many others all over the country where technology and dreams (and, often enough, greed as well) have trumped good sense (think of all the absurdly located developments along the Gulf Coast in the wake of Katrina, or the idiotic houses that schuss down the hillsides whenever it rains in L.A.). The film's website is: www.saltonseadoc.com. My overall rating: 7/10 ("B"). (Film seen on 10/01/05.) If you'd like to read more of my reviews, send me a message for directions to my websites.

Plagues & Pleasures is a top-notch social documentary with a cast of characters (and I mean characters) that will certainly keep movie-goers amused and engaged. But there is a substantial historical component to the film that hipper fans of historical docs will be drawn to, too. The Salton Sea itself was created by man by mistake, and evolved -- indeed, continues to evolve -- unlike any other conventional place. In fact, I could not help but think that this movie was recording the progress of some twisted, super-sized laboratory experiment that used real people, instead of mice. Trust me, this all makes for fascinating history. I highly recommend this film.

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.

This documentary follows the tragic yet beautiful life and death of the once populated Salton Sea told primarily through the people who know it best, its current residents. Interviewing the strange cast of eccentrics and exploring their lifestyles gives us a rich depiction of what life is like for the people who call this area home. Also explored is the state of the sea, its chances for repair and consequences if left neglected. This fascinating story combined with humorous, yet sad descriptions and nostalgic recollections paints a vivid picture of a community that constantly faces great transformation. With creative storytelling and lively interviews this documentary illustrates a genuinely strange and beautiful land that may fade away within the next decade.

An entertaining and informative portrait of the myriad troubles and the wacky wonder of the sea. I've been fascinated with the place for years and am impressed by the funny yet serious approach the filmmakers took to clearly explain the complex political and environmental issues. The often off the wall locals who have created their own paradise at this troubled sea were presented with respect and love. The amazing stock footage from the sea's glamorous past contrasted sadly with today's deserted towns and fish and bird die-offs. And the sound track rocked. May 7, 2005 is the sea's centennial. Without intervention, it can't last much longer. Plagues and Pleasures should be required viewing for all California politicians. And all viewers will enjoy the strange history and unexpected beauty of this accidental sea.