Syriana: The Power and Politics of Oil (and the discussions that should follow)

by Tom Arnold – December 11, 2005

Syriana is now at a movie theatre near you.

So I finally made it to see Syriana, the new oil politics thriller starring George Clooney and Matt Damon. Filmed in the collage style (like Stephen Gaghan’s prior hit Traffic) the movie portrays four groups of strangers as they strut their way through the world oil stage. And yes, the fingernail thing is a bit extreme.

Suffice it to say that I liked the movie, although I will say you do need to pay attention to follow exactly what is going on (there was a bit of shuffling in the seats around me).

Warning: you may feel a little dirty or guilty when you…ahem…drive home from the movie theatre.

Most of all, Syriana is a movie that makes you think about the world we live in, and our role in it. Of course, TerraPass is here to help turn those thoughts into something positive. Our partner Participant Productions has a handy movie going guide for you and your friends with after-movie banter. The idea is quite simple — rally a group of friends to go see the movie, and talk about it afterwards. Co-Partners NRDC and Sierra Club also have some great activities to make a difference.

If you already saw the movie, add a comment below and let us know what you thought!

Tags:

| | | | |

Comments

» Trackback from connecting*the*dots @ Dec 22, 2005 4 PM

Syriana: Power, Oil And Change

Everything is everything… for real. Go see it today and then do something positive. … [Read More]

1. Comment by Gordon C @ Dec 14, 2005 11 PM

A very disturbing movie.
Lots of different political elements playing in the matrix that is (?) the international oil game.
Probably needs to be seen twice.
Good review in the Dec 5th New Yorker.
This addiction to imported oil is not good. Who will vote for $5.00 or $8.00 gasoline?

2. Comment by Alden B @ Dec 16, 2005 11 PM

I found Syriana to be disturbing and enlightening. I give it an A for content but a C+ as film. I’m certain many people will be turned off by many of the implications about government, politics, and loyalty. It’s a direct confrontation of the powers that be on many levels and that’s why I liked it. I found the characters spoke much to low in parts of the film though. Maybe on purpose to give a behind the scenes, hush-hush feel but some of the story gets lost because of it imo.