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Review: “If A Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front”

Published on June 29, 2011

by Mary Iannone

There’s no questioning the event that comes to mind when one hears the word “terrorism.” After September 11th, the word became synonymous with horrifying death and destruction. But what happens when destruction is caused with no corresponding human injury? Are the perpetrators still terrorists?

If A Tree Falls, a new documentary from Oscar-nominated director Marshall Curry (Street Fight), poses this question in regards to the Earth Liberation Front. ELF has been described by the FBI as the number one domestic terrorist threat. The environmental activist group, which uses self-proclaimed “guerilla warfare”, has taken responsibility for dozens of arsons against groups they feel are damaging the planet. Yet, in all of these incidents, not one human life has been taken or injured.

The film follows Daniel McGowan, who was working for Curry’s wife when he was arrested as part of a simultaneous nationwide takedown of known ELF affiliates. McGowan, wearing an ankle bracelet as part of his seven months of house arrest, says he faces “life plus 335 years” in prison for taking part in two major arsons. Unlike several others arrested, some of whom explain their decisions on camera, he says he will not make a deal.

Footage of McGowan and his family is interspersed with the images that brought McGowan to the ELF. An aerial shot of a California forest shows patches clear-cut of any wildlife, the grey, cracked land starkly contrasting the surrounding greenery. More incendiary images include protests in Eugene, Oregon, which became the center of the ELF movement. Activists climbed into trees about to be bulldozed for the building of a parking lot; in response, police climbed up after them, pepper spraying every inch of the body of one man, who didn’t cave for six hours.

While these scenes seem to be included simply to be provocative, it’s the personal story that captures. At one point, McGowan recalls a moment of clarity while watching the fire he set during his second arson. It was the moment he thought, “What am I doing?” Afterwards, he decided to move back home to New York City, where he met his future wife and took the job he would be at when the FBI caught up with him.

McGowan was years removed from his ELF actions when he was caught as part of an FBI operation using its de facto leader, Jake Ferguson. Mr. Ferguson is seen primarily in faded home videos; his long hair, tattoos, and cigarette-smoking, combined with the foreboding music in the background, immediately tell viewers what they’re supposed to think about this man.

If A Tree Falls, while carefully not judging the actions of any participants, also had to steer clear of igniting any fires of their own. How does one report on the events that spurred the ELF to action without stirring those same feelings in the viewer? Curry smartly balances the personal repercussions with the more aggressive footage, resulting in an even-keeled, thought-provoking film.

If A Tree Falls is in limited screenings nationwide. For more information and to view the official trailer, visit the film’s website.

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This seems to be a nice documentary. I can’t wait to watch his. From the plot, this really deserves the Oscars nomination. I am sure that a lot will watch and a lot of reactions can be heard. Anyway, that’s the essence of making such a good documentary.

Posted on 2011 07 14 by AlveinB