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?

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.

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 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.

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.