The Cove

Does the camera ‘take sides’?
I don't think the camera takes sides. I think they do a pretty good job at trying to keep it unbiased, but the weight of the issue is very important, they have to display the truth, and I suppose it does look like the camera takes sides.

Does the film allow the audience to think for itself, and to draw its own conclusions, or does it manipulate audience reaction and emotion?
To be honest, I do not think that the film manipulates the audience. People are still capable of drawing their own conclusions. I think this is an important key, because if the film did not use the method that it is using to deliver its message to people, if they did not involve emotional responses to it, people would just ignore it and the problem would not be taken seriously. I don't think there's anything wrong with the film 'manipulating' the audience. I actually don't think it manipulates at all. I think the content that it has and the emotions that it delivers are just the right thing according to the issue. It's fair. It's not like the film is framing a completely innocent matter that doesn't deserve to be referred to with such emotional emphasis. The problem is real, it's difficult, and cruel. The film did a very good work to expose things as they were and I think people can still make up their minds individually.

Does it support opinion with evidence?
It does support opinion with very strong and accurate evidence. They use videos they have taken of the actual locations, the animals' condition, the people's responses, etc. They also record information, interviews, and the way people take the problem.

Through the range of filmmaking techniques presented, are we overtly manipulated into accepting uncritically the film’s version of truth?
I don't think we're manipulated at all. I think the film displays the problem just like it is, I don't find it biased.

Does the film educate, does it enlighten us, or does it ‘preach to the converted’?
I think it educates us with the problem and shows us what really is going on, the truth about the cruel issue. It talks about the damage it does to people, and how people are not doing much to avoid it. It also tells us what we can do to help.

Provide examples from the film that support your opinions.
They did a very good job when they recorded everything that happened throughout the film. I like that they showed the negative response from the people that benefit from the problem. That they tell us why they're not telling people the truth, and that they're honest about the damage that it's doing to the people. They went ahead and interviewed people even though they wouldn't tell them much, ventured into environments and places that they were not welcomed to, and exposed the truth just like it is. I think it was very important that they showed the images of the hunters massacring the dolphins, because these are the images that people want to avoid and leave unexposed to the public. It's not convenient for them, and though it is wrong that they hide it from people, it will keep their business growing. "Nobody at all need know."