10/10
Director: Alistair Fothergill, Jonathan Hughes
Starring: David Attenborough, Max Hughes
Running Time: 1hr 23mins
Rating: PG
Produced by Netflix, David Attenborough: A Life on our Planet (2020) is not only a whistle-stop tour of the televisual exploits of the veteran broadcaster, but – in Attenborough’s own words – a profound and affecting “witness statement” to the origins, development and manifestation of the climate crisis.
In A Life, Attenborough uses his privileged position to deliver a key message for our times. Though not personally fond of the term, the 94-year-old is unmistakably a national treasure for many who have engaged with his work over the years. Acknowledging his influence in society, the aim of this production is very clear; combined with his recent move to join Instagram, this documentary represents a profound effort to encourage fans of his work to honour the nature that he broadcasts. While most of us associate Attenborough with his love and extensive knowledge of the animal world that has shined through on countless nature documentaries, this is the broadcaster as most of us have never seen him before – narrating humans; describing us.
Programmes focusing on the impact of human overconsumption on the environment are not difficult to find in the times we live in, but the unique asset of this particular documentary lies in its emotional appeal; it humanises the deteriorating condition of the natural world, bringing it down to a level that instils total clarity about the situation in its viewers (who, given Attenborough’s popularity, are likely to be many). The trajectory of Attenborough’s life and natural history career is framed to mirror that of the climate catastrophe, with the future predictions of scientists projected onto the life of the broadcaster were he to have been born today.
Despite the foreboding statistics, Attenborough is keen to emphasise that we can (and must) learn from our mistakes. The film is a tacit recognition that all too often, the absolutist approach to sustainability is appropriated. Put differently: the idea that because one or many uncontrollable actions have a negative environmental impact, it is not worth the individual’s effort to make their own habits sustainable. A Life is narrated with this false dichotomy in mind, and it is effectively challenged.
Attenborough reflects on the “luck” that he has had and how certain experiences that were personally fulfilling, such as his 1970s encounters with wild gorillas, would have been impossible were it not for unsustainable practices carried out by humans. In this case, it was only because of the actions of poachers that the gorillas could handle close human contact.
The effect of the above is to shine a light on human misjudgement and the knowledge we now possess about the impact of our actions on the environment. Attenborough is insistent that by humbling ourselves through the acknowledgement of our mistakes, we can be more accepting of the challenges involved in enacting the necessary changes.
It no doubt helps its cause that A Life is equally an aesthetically enjoyable watch. Witnessing breath-taking natural cinematography unfold on the big screen from country to country highlights the beauty of our planet, something many of us may have missed these past months, as lockdowns limited our ability to travel and explore the world in person. The recent release of the film therefore hits rather differently than it might have done in a typical year. Tragically, it highlights just how necessary Attenborough’s message is: we must save our planet before it is too late, otherwise this majesty will be replaced by travesty.
Ultimately, however, Attenborough’s narration ends the film on a note of hope. He offers practical solutions to the problems facing the planet, pointing to case studies around the world where sustainable solutions have been enacted. This comes at an opportune time for humanity, as currently we still have a chance to reverse many of the greater damages the crisis will wreak.
Attenborough’s documentary is a call to action for all of us to reconsider how we do things going forward. We have to work to prevent future pandemics but also future disasters of all kinds. Our ill-preparedness for the pandemic has illustrated the suffering that results from a strategy of reactionary measures. The message is clear: we need to learn our lesson, and apply it to the climate crisis.
Editor’s Note: This film was screened at City Screen York
David Attenborough: A Life on our Planet is available to stream on Netflix
