Darwin's Nightmare (2004, AUT/FRA/BEL/CDN/FIN/SWE) C-111m. *** D: Hubert Sauper. Shattering documentary about Tanzania, a poor 3rd world country in Africa, whose only economic asset, Lake Victoria, is being exploited by Europeans and Russians. The Nile perch, a predator, has killed all other species in the lake and is flown to rich countries, while the poor locals receive the fishbone. The native population can work in factory jobs, but since only the factory owners are getting rich, poverty still reigns the streets. Too hesitant, unstructured in its approach but compelling nonetheless, this film has the power to make you cry about the injustice in the world. Nominated for Best Documentary Oscar.


© Ron Altman