A Tale of Two Documentaries

GasLand (2010) is a documentary by Josh Fox about the practice of Hydraulic Fracturing or "Fracking". This documentary received a lot of attention, due mostly to it's subject matter. As an aside, it is interesting to google the movie and to see the SEM (Paid Ads) in place to counter the film's point of view. The documentary itself, is good but not great. At times, it can be a bit too self referential. That said, it is a powerful message and there are some lovely visual moments.
Rating: Good
Links: IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, Wikipedia

The Woodmans (2010) Is the story of the Woodman Family, a family of american artists. George, the patriarch is a painter and former professor. Betty, the matriarch, is a potter of quite some renown. Charlie (son) an Electronic Artist and Professor, and Francesca (daughter) a highly praised photographer. It's a beautifully shot documentary that allows you to understand and get a feel for the world that this family created for itself and the great tragedy of their lives. Francesca's work is highlighted throughout, and it is breathtaking. given the additional context from the film only makes it more so, and gives added dimension to the work of all of the family members. In a very deft way, the director, Scott Willis, shows us the dark corners of a troubled and talented family without it ever being unseemly or voyeuristic.
Rating: Very Good
Links: IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, Wikipedia