Helinski+Crude

Joe Berlinger 2009
 * Crude**

Focused around the disastrous effects of Texaco’s oil refinery process in the Amazon Rain Forest in Ecuador, this film follows the court trials against the oil giant from those who’s rights and land were violated as Texaco deliberately destructed the natural environment. Following this case gave a very clear perspective of what occur and what was done I order to hide their tracks only putting Texaco into more of a poor viewing perspective. It was well done to show the investigation into the procedures which were performed by Texaco and how they were trying to fight off the claims as not their own but rather the company PetroEcuador who obtained their facilities after Texaco left.

The most obvious stakeholder throughout this film are the indigenous people who live within the Amazon and depend upon the land for the survival of their people. Living as they have for hundreds of years, these people rely on everything from the rivers and streams to the wildlife a fauna of the region to carry out all of their daily activities. As Texaco came into these lands and deliberately dumped toxic material into the land, these people were directly impacted. This was displayed throughout the film but all of the health effects that began to show as people were bathing, cooking, and drinking in water that is visible contaminated with crude oil. Not having the financial resources to be able to defend themselves or live a different style lifestyle, they have no other option but to continue their daily activities regardless the condition of their environment.

Going hand in hand with these people are the oil companies, in the case Texaco which is the second large stakeholder I this story. Being the primary company drilling for oil in the area which located in an area not closely regulated by government, Texaco more or less had free reign over what they did in the jungle. Working without a country that is not governmentally sound as some, Texaco was able to get away with a lot of infractions and illegal activity that led to direct harm to those people who lived within the area. A third and much smaller stakeholder in this film are the organizations and people who are involved with situations like this. For instance the law firm that chose to represent the people of the Amazon are highly involved in this situation and definitely have a lot at stake trying to battle a oil giant such as Texaco, or currently Chevron. In addition to the law firms, the organizations that support these people such as Sting’s Wifes charity make differences in the world wherever they can.

This story is a text book example of problems that arise from our dependency on oil. As the demand increase more resources are needed which often leads into oil expansion into foreign countries that may not be very regulated which often leads to situations like these. With complete disregard to the environment of human rights, the oil companies that expand to these foreign lands only have profit on their mind and will do whatever it takes to make the largest profit possible without concern of what damage they are causing. This film was honestly filled with information that I found beyond compelling not knowing much about this injustice in the Amazon before. The length that Texaco went to in order to try to protect their company was simply unbelievable. The portion that was the most impacting to myself was the way which Texaco and its employees treated the sampling of various rivers and soil areas. Having a visual of the grounds where soil samples were taken from and the amount of visible oil that lays on top of it, it is beyond astonishing that the environmental scientist from Texaco san say with a straight face that there have been no signs of contaminated soil ever found or that she would have brought it to someone’s attention if it was. I would like to know what her opinion is after viewing this film and how she can be so contradicting to the visibly obvious. As the court proceeding continued, again it was amazing to see the lawyers representing Teaxco and how pushy they were trying to be about suggesting where to take samples that were going to be evaluated by the specialist. Directly after they were told that they will be taken random locations that they are not informed of, the lawyer tries to push his way. Its quiet obvious that a “innocent” company is not very innocent at all which is clear through their actions while trying to defend themselves.

The behavior and responses from the lawyers of Texaco were just as compelling as anything else. Although these people had been living in the jungle for years, it was amazing to hear the lawyers try to explain that it was their fault for living in an area that was granted as a oil drilling location. This is the clear problem of operating in countries that are not completely governmentally sound. Yes the area had been cleared to drill, but drilling does not include the amount of environmental damage that was done to the area. When this issue arose it was astonishing to hear Texaco pushing all of the blame off from themselves to PetroEcuador. It was similar to children’s behavior when caught in the act of something wrong.

The film was filled with information that successfully pushed the side of the indigenous people, although I am still not completely convinced on the loyalty of the American Layers that were aiding in the case. Although they were on the side of those being wrong which I support, their motives for becoming involved is what is in question. As discusses in class the amount of PR and money involved in this case is easily enough to draw the attention of many large firms. Although the lawyers from the US are only charging a minimal percentage fee, the amount of payment the case is about will turn that small percentage to an astronomical amount of money. On top of that, the lawyers personality was not one that I was completely fond of but I do not know if that is solely because he is a lawyer or if it’s because he is in this for the wrong reasons. This film did not directly suggest actions to or what would result from a shift away from the dependency on oil, but it made clear that there is sever unjust occurring around the world in order for companies to make a profit. Unfortunately these unjust actions are occurring is areas of the world where the government may not have much control, or where the people are at the mercy of the company such as this.

I found this film to be one of the most interesting environmental films I have seen due to the fact that it is about such a large issue yet I knew nothing about it. The wrong that was preformed was unbelievable and I find it sad that because it was in a foreign land, it did not make main stream media like it would have if it happened in our backyard. Having my interests sparked, any other scenarios similar to this one would be of great interest to look into.