Category Archives: Gasland (2010)

In the propaganda film, Gasland (“mockumentary”), director Josh Fox presents people in New York state lighting their water taps on fire to demonstrate the effects of hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”).

So successful in presenting his bogus claims to an audience—largely ignorant about an extremely complex technology—that it created an environmental scare and even duped Governor Cuomo of New York, who banned drilling across the state.

The film was nominated for an Academy Award in 2011, has made Fox a lot of money, and damaged perceptions about oil and gas drilling around the world. His efforts have also deprived small landowners and farmers in New York the extra income that could have helped them to remain viable during difficult economic times.

Gasland (2010), PROPAGANDA

Where and How Did Our Oil and Gasland Begin — Do We Really Want to End It Abruptly?

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If you’ve ever had any doubt that movies influence, look no further than to consider the effects of this month’s movie, Gasland (Fox, 2010). It is difficult to imagine how a propaganda film that presents such a complex technical topic to a public audience could garner much interest, let alone stir so many in our nation toward irrational fears.

However, as we have noted in our past commentaries, fearmongering is a great way to attract attention and to create public unrest.

Continue reading Where and How Did Our Oil and Gasland Begin — Do We Really Want to End It Abruptly? →