Before the Flood is a powerful 2016 documentary that explores the pressing issue of climate change, starring and produced by Leonardo DiCaprio. Directed by Fisher Stevens, the film dives into the causes, effects, and possible solutions to climate change, with DiCaprio serving as a passionate advocate for environmental action. The documentary takes viewers across the globe, examining the crisis from various perspectives, from science to politics to the everyday impact on people and ecosystems.
Detailed Summary
Introduction: DiCaprio’s Personal Journey
The film opens with DiCaprio reflecting on his early life and environmental consciousness. He shares how his childhood fascination with nature, sparked by shows like The Twilight Zone, and his growing concern about environmental destruction led him to become a UN Messenger of Peace for climate change. This personal connection to the subject helps frame the film’s urgency.
The Effects of Climate Change
DiCaprio travels to various locations around the world, showcasing the devastating effects of climate change:
- Greenland and the Arctic: DiCaprio visits the melting ice caps, where scientists show him firsthand how rapidly the ice is disappearing. This melting contributes to rising sea levels, which poses a significant threat to coastal communities around the world.
- Sinking Islands: He also travels to island nations like Kiribati, which are literally sinking as sea levels rise, and speaks to residents whose homes are being swallowed by the ocean.
- The Coral Reefs: In a heartbreaking scene, DiCaprio dives into the Great Barrier Reef to see the coral bleaching caused by rising sea temperatures. The damage to the world’s coral reefs, which are vital ecosystems, underscores the broader environmental collapse.
Political Roadblocks
The documentary doesn’t shy away from pointing fingers at political and economic forces that have slowed climate action. DiCaprio interviews several global leaders, including President Barack Obama, Pope Francis, and climate experts, discussing the obstacles to real change. The film highlights the influence of fossil fuel industries and climate change deniers, particularly in the United States, who have misled the public and undermined scientific consensus.
Global Solutions and Hope
Despite the grim picture painted by the effects of climate change, the documentary also emphasizes solutions. DiCaprio explores sustainable energy sources like solar power and wind power and highlights the importance of switching to renewable energy. He visits countries like China and India, which are both major carbon emitters but are also investing heavily in clean energy solutions. The film ends on a note of cautious optimism, urging global citizens to take immediate action to halt the worst effects of climate change.
Movie Ending
The film concludes with DiCaprio giving a speech at the United Nations, delivering a stark warning about the future of the planet if climate change is not addressed. He stresses the urgency of the situation and calls on world leaders to adopt and implement the Paris Agreement, which seeks to reduce global emissions and limit global warming to well below 2°C.
Are There Post-Credits Scene?
No, Before the Flood does not feature any post-credits scenes. The film’s impact is meant to linger with its message rather than set up any future projects.
Type of Movie
Before the Flood is a documentary film that falls under the environmental, educational, and advocacy genres. It is a serious, thought-provoking work that combines cinematic storytelling with a clear activist agenda.
Cast
The cast of this documentary includes a variety of high-profile figures and climate experts, along with Leonardo DiCaprio as the central narrator and advocate.
- Leonardo DiCaprio: Himself, narrator, and UN Messenger of Peace.
- Barack Obama: Himself, interviewed as the sitting U.S. President.
- Pope Francis: Himself, discussing the moral imperative of addressing climate change.
- Elon Musk: Himself, discussing clean energy solutions like Tesla’s SolarCity.
- Ban Ki-moon: Himself, former UN Secretary-General.
- John Kerry: Himself, former U.S. Secretary of State.
Film Music and Composer
The music in Before the Flood was composed by a collaboration of celebrated artists including Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (of Nine Inch Nails), Gustavo Santaolalla, and Mogwai. The score adds a haunting, emotional resonance to the film’s visuals, enhancing its impact without overpowering the message.
Filming Locations
The documentary was filmed in multiple countries across the globe, representing the global nature of the climate crisis:
- Greenland: For the melting ice caps.
- China and India: As the world’s largest carbon emitters and clean energy pioneers.
- Indonesia: To highlight deforestation and its link to palm oil production.
- Kiribati and Miami: To show rising sea levels threatening coastal areas.
- The Great Barrier Reef: To capture the damage from coral bleaching.
The significance of these locations lies in their direct exposure to climate change’s devastating effects, making the crisis real and tangible for the viewer.
Awards and Nominations
- Environmental Media Association Award for Best Documentary (2017)
- Critics’ Choice Documentary Award Nomination for Best Documentary (2016)
- Cinema for Peace Awards (2017) for its contribution to raising awareness about climate change.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Leonardo DiCaprio had been working on the documentary for three years before its release.
- The film was made in partnership with National Geographic, which gave it a global platform.
- DiCaprio was deeply involved in all stages of the production, from development to post-production.
- The film was released for free on various streaming platforms for a limited time to maximize its impact.
Inspirations and References
The documentary draws inspiration from real-world climate science and environmental advocacy. DiCaprio’s role as a UN Messenger of Peace on climate change directly influenced the film’s creation. The film also references reports and data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and other scientific institutions.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no widely known alternate endings for Before the Flood, as the documentary is structured around real events and DiCaprio’s journey. However, some interviews and segments may have been cut for length, as the film covers a wide array of topics and locations.
Book Adaptations and Differences
While Before the Flood is not adapted from a specific book, it shares thematic similarities with other environmental works, such as Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” and Naomi Klein’s “This Changes Everything”, both of which emphasize the global impact of climate change and the urgent need for action.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- DiCaprio’s visit to the melting ice sheets of Greenland, where scientists demonstrate the rapid rate of ice melt.
- His interview with Elon Musk at Tesla’s Gigafactory, where they discuss the potential of renewable energy.
- The visit to Indonesia, showing the destruction of rainforests for palm oil production.
Iconic Quotes
- Leonardo DiCaprio: “We are knowingly doing this. I just want to know how far we’ve gone and if there’s anything we can do to stop it.”
- Barack Obama: “We’re the first generation to feel the impact of climate change, and the last generation that can do something about it.”
- Pope Francis: “The scientific consensus is clear. The planet is warming, and humans are a primary cause.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- DiCaprio’s use of the Hieronymus Bosch painting “The Garden of Earthly Delights” as a metaphor for environmental destruction is a recurring visual theme.
- Tesla’s Gigafactory represents not only the future of renewable energy but DiCaprio’s personal involvement in promoting clean energy initiatives.
Trivia
- The documentary was filmed over a period of three years.
- DiCaprio has donated millions of dollars to environmental causes and used the documentary to further his advocacy efforts.
- The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2016.
Why Watch?
Before the Flood is essential viewing for anyone concerned about the environment, the future of the planet, and the global political climate surrounding these issues. It’s a highly accessible yet deeply informative documentary that combines stunning visuals with a powerful call to action.
Director’s Other Movies
- The Cove (2009)
- Crazy Love (2007)
- Stand Up Guys (2012)
Recommended Films for Fans
- An Inconvenient Truth (2006)
- Chasing Ice (2012)
- The 11th Hour (2007)
- This Changes Everything (2015)
- Mission Blue (2014)
