Review: Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution
Introduction
Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution (2017) is a thought-provoking documentary directed and hosted by James Redford. The film explores the ongoing shift toward renewable energy in the United States, highlighting the social, economic, and environmental impacts of clean energy initiatives. Redford embarks on a cross-country journey, interviewing industry leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and everyday citizens who are embracing sustainable energy solutions.
Rather than presenting a grim portrait of climate change, Happening adopts a hopeful and solution-oriented perspective, showcasing how clean energy is not only necessary but also achievable. The documentary offers a compelling argument that transitioning to renewables is both an environmental imperative and an economic opportunity.
Plot Summary
The film follows James Redford as he travels across the United States, visiting communities that have successfully integrated renewable energy solutions into their infrastructure. His journey takes him to wind farms in Texas, solar initiatives in California, and hydropower projects in New York, among other locations.
Throughout his exploration, Redford meets individuals who are driving the clean energy movement forward, including business leaders who have adopted sustainable practices, scientists developing new technologies, and government officials implementing forward-thinking policies. He also highlights how renewable energy is reshaping local economies, creating new job opportunities, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
The documentary does not shy away from discussing the challenges and obstacles facing clean energy adoption. Redford examines political resistance, corporate influence, and the technological hurdles that must be overcome to make renewable energy accessible to all. Despite these difficulties, Happening ultimately presents an optimistic vision of the future, emphasizing the momentum behind clean energy innovation.
Direction and Cinematography
James Redford’s direction is both engaging and educational. Rather than adopting an alarmist tone, he takes a personal and hands-on approach, making complex topics more accessible to the audience. His journey is interwoven with personal anecdotes, adding an intimate touch that makes the film feel relatable and grounded.
The cinematography captures the beauty and potential of renewable energy sources, with stunning visuals of solar panels gleaming under the sun, massive wind turbines spinning against the sky, and hydropower plants harnessing the force of water. The film’s use of aerial shots and time-lapse sequences further enhances its visual appeal, making the transition to clean energy look not only feasible but also inspiring.
Themes and Symbolism
The Transition to Renewable Energy
At its core, Happening is about the transformation of the energy industry. It highlights how once-dominant fossil fuel industries are being challenged by cleaner, more sustainable alternatives. The film portrays this shift as not just necessary for the environment, but also as an opportunity for economic growth and innovation.
The Role of Individuals and Communities
A key theme of the documentary is the power of grassroots activism and local initiatives. Redford showcases how small communities, businesses, and individuals are taking matters into their own hands, proving that renewable energy solutions are not limited to government mandates or large corporations.
The Intersection of Technology and Policy
The film also examines how policy decisions impact the adoption of renewable energy. Redford discusses how certain policies have accelerated clean energy growth in some states, while others have hindered progress due to political and corporate interests.
Strengths
✅ Hopeful and Solution-Oriented Approach – Unlike many climate documentaries that focus on doom and gloom, Happening takes an optimistic approach, showing real-world examples of how renewable energy is making a difference.
✅ Personal and Engaging Storytelling – James Redford’s journey makes the film feel more relatable, as he explores the topic from both a curious layperson’s and an investigative filmmaker’s perspective.
✅ Educational Without Being Overly Technical – The documentary presents complex information in a digestible manner, making it accessible to audiences who may not be familiar with the intricacies of energy policy and technology.
✅ Visually Stunning Cinematography – The film captures breathtaking landscapes and innovative energy projects, making the subject matter more visually engaging.
Weaknesses
❌ Limited Focus on Global Energy Issues – While Happening does an excellent job of covering clean energy developments in the U.S., it does not explore international efforts in depth. Given that climate change is a global issue, a broader perspective could have added more context.
❌ Lack of Discussion on Energy Storage and Infrastructure – The film highlights the benefits of renewables but does not delve deeply into challenges like energy storage and grid modernization, which are crucial for large-scale adoption.
❌ Somewhat One-Sided Perspective – While the film is highly optimistic about the clean energy transition, it does not spend much time addressing the concerns of those working in the fossil fuel industry or communities that rely on traditional energy jobs. A more balanced discussion could have provided additional depth.
Historical and Cultural Impact
Since its release, Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution has been used as an educational tool to promote awareness about the clean energy transition. It has been screened at environmental conferences, schools, and community events, inspiring discussions about how individuals and local governments can take action.
The documentary also reflects a broader cultural shift in attitudes toward renewable energy. As concerns about climate change grow, films like Happening play a vital role in shaping public perception and encouraging proactive solutions. By highlighting success stories rather than just problems, the documentary helps reinforce the idea that a clean energy future is not only possible but already underway.
Conclusion
Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution is an insightful and inspiring documentary that showcases the rapid advancements in renewable energy across the United States. James Redford’s engaging storytelling, combined with stunning cinematography and a hopeful perspective, makes this film a must-watch for anyone interested in sustainability, energy policy, or environmental activism.
While the documentary could have provided a broader global context and addressed some of the challenges in greater depth, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. Happening serves as a powerful reminder that the clean energy revolution is not just a distant goal—it is happening right now.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
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