Deadly Deception: General Electric, Nuclear Weapons and Our Environment 1991
Distributed by Women's Educational Media, 2180 Bryant St., Suite 203, San Francisco, CA 94110; 800-405-3322
Produced by Debra Chasnoff
Directed by Debra Chasnoff
VHS, color, 29 min.
College - Adult
Business, Environmental Studies, Health Sciences, Political Science
Date Entered: 06/21/2005
Reviewed by Ronald Saskowski Jr., ASRC Aerospace Corporation, Atlanta, GADeadly Deceptions presents a fascinating look at the power of politics, business and image and the effects those things have on the environment. Ms. Chasnoff delivers a powerful, well-balanced documentary that remains relevant today. The film demonstrates the ability of grassroots campaigns to achieve incredible goals.
Interviews with people who have suffered the effects of radiation exposure provide an emotional link for the viewer. The interviews are interspersed with snippets of General Electric commercials from the past. This interweaving of past and present provides a powerful yet conflicting message to absorb and process. Ms. Chasnoff captures the irony of the topic succinctly in her film.
The film has clear audio and the soundtrack is suited for the topic. The video quality is good with the exception of interviews being spliced together. While the splicing is noticeable, it does not detract from the film or its message. There are a few scenes which are a bit graphic and may be uncomfortable for some to see.
While the audience level is listed as college-adult, the film could be educational for seniors in high school as they prepare to make their way into the world.
This film is >recommended for college and university libraries with programs in environmental sciences, health sciences and political science. Public libraries would also benefit from having this film in their collections.