This week the topic is : Documentary. There are many types of documentaries and a really good example of this genre is the film "Blackfish". "Blackfish" is a documentary about Seaworld and its history with killer whales. Throughout this movie, experts and enthusiasts show both amazing feats and devastating tragedies.

    One of the debates present the duration of the film is whether or not the whales do better in captivity or the wild.  To me this is easy, of course they would do better in the wild. That's where they are from and where they belong, right? The scientists in the film make it clear several times that the orcas have a way longer life span in the wild compared to captivity. 

    SeaWorld and "Blackfish" have opposing view points on one of their most famous orcas ever; Tillikum. Tillikum was an orca who spent most of his life in captivity, primarily residing at Seaworld: Orlando. Not only is he a star at Seaworld: Orlando, he is the star of this documentary. Tillikum was involved in three human fatalities in his lifetime and this is a central point of the movie. SeaWorld claimed in court they had no reason to believe he was dangerous but the film makers have plenty of aggressive history in their armory. My impression overall was this whale was frustrated, very frustrated. 

    The death of trainer Dawn Brancheau in Feburary 2010 is the catalyst of the film. Tillikum killed her during a "Dine with Shamu" show that they had done hundreds of times before. In the documentary we are shown how at first Seaworld publicly blamed Dawn and said she would even admit her fault if she was here! It was the most outrageous part of the entire movie. SeaWorld doubled down in court and stuck to the story that the shows were not dangerous, but ultimately the judge decided that all trainers had to be separate from the whales during shows.

    This was my second time watching "Blackfish" and I was just as impressed watching it again. It is a very emotional and moving film to me. Ultimately I am happy that Seaworld was knocked down a few pegs and is no longer breeding Orcas. I have boycotted Seaworld since seeing this film originally but with these positive changes, maybe I can support them again. 

    

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