A Life Among Whales 2004
Distributed by Bullfrog Films, PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547; 800-543-FROG (3764)
Produced by Bill Haney
Director n/a
VHS, color, 54 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Environmental Studies, Biology, Science
Date Entered: 11/17/2006
Reviewed by Barbara Butler, University of Oregon Institute of Marine BiologyRoger Payne began his scientific career studying the use of sound by bats, owls and moths. He went on to apply his scientific background to the study of whale song, the song of the humpback whale in particular. The conservation of whales remains his passion. Payne is interviewed at length for this film in which he tells viewers his goal in life is to “change people’s perception of the wild world”.
Payne didn’t fit the standard mold of a university researcher when he took his family with him to study whales in Patagonia. He also met with skepticism when he reported that whale song could be heard over thousands of miles, but has since been vindicated. The film is well constructed, weaving together interviews, spectacular underwater footage of whales, clips of historical whaling operations, and animation. Along the way viewers will learn a good deal about whale biology, the history of whaling, and the history of whale conservation efforts. The story is both poignant and inspiring, the cinematography is top-notch and it is easy to see why this film has won a host of awards. Highly recommended for all audiences.