Newspaper Article

TELEVISION VIEW; 30 Years of Volcanoes and Animals (Including Us)

Boxer, Sarah

1995

Overview

To look at clips from 30 years of nature films -- from \"Americans on Everest\" (1965) to \"Sharks\" (1982) to \"Baka: People of the Forest\" (1989) to \"Reflections on Elephants\" (1994) -- is to see the peculiarities of the nature documentary itself. What comes through most clearly is that the nature film, at least as produced by National Geographic, is as much a devotional and theatrical endeavor as a scientific one. Words like \"miracle,\" \"marvel\" and \"spirit\" punctuate the script. And when a bowlegged Costa Rican basilisk lizard walks on water, no scientific explanation is offered; the reptile is said \"simply to defy the law of gravity.\" The virtues of patience, persistence, humility and resolve are praised in animals and humans alike. And there are admonitions, about the dangers of excess, indulgence and wandering off alone. Indeed, when it comes to mealtime, the film makers toy shamelessly with their audience. In one segment an elephant calf \"wanders into the company of lions.\" It looks as if it's over for the little elephant. But wait: \"This time innocence is matched by inexperience,\" says Stacy Keach, the narrator. \"The lions are . . . more intent on experimenting than killing.\" Good. Our little elephant will live. Well, no. Now \"the lions close in for the kill.\" Then, suddenly, \"the lions are exhausted and lose interest. . . . It's a lucky break for the calf.\"

• Publisher: New York Times Company
• Subject: DOCUMENTARY FILMS AND PROGRAMS / TELEVISION