Consider the following issues connected to the clip you have just watched. Write a well-developed response to each prompt, and be prepared to discuss your response in front of your classmates.
The 11th Hour is a documentary film, but is it merely informational in its approach, or does it seem to be presenting some form of argument? In other words, how objective or subjective is its perspective on the issue of climate change? How does the level of subjectivity affect you as a viewer?
Respond...
Now consider the impact of the opening scenes on your perceptions of DiCaprio's ethos—the sense that he is trustworthy, credible, fair, and open-minded. How effectively does the juxtaposition of images and scenes, in conjunction with the music, dialogue, and other sounds in the opening chapter, establish his (and the film's) ethos?
Respond...
Some critics attack The 11th Hours being alarmist, using dire projections and visual images that amount to scare tactics. Make a list of details (images, claims made by DiCaprio, the music used, etc.) that could be considered sensationalistic, and consider the effect of how they are juxtaposed within the sequence. With these points in mind, how do you respond to the critiques of the film?
Respond...