Synopsis:
FROM CANADA

Since World War II North Americans have invested much of their newfound wealth in suburbia. It has promised a sense of space, affordability, family life and upward mobility. As the population of suburban sprawl has exploded in the past 50 years, so too has the suburban way of life become embedded in the American consciousness.

Suburbia, and all it promises, has become the American Dream.

But as we enter the 21st century, serious questions are beginning to emerge about the sustainability of this way of life. With brutal honesty and a touch of irony, The End of Suburbia explores the American Way of Life and its prospects as the planet approaches a critical era, as global demand for fossil fuels begins to outstrip supply. World Oil Peak and the inevitable decline of fossil fuels are upon us now, some scientists and policy makers argue in this documentary.

The consequences of inaction in the face of this global crisis are enormous. What does Oil Peak mean for North America? As energy prices skyrocket in the coming years, how will the populations of suburbia react to the collapse of their dream? Are today's suburbs destined to become the slums of tomorrow? And what can be done NOW, individually and collectively, to avoid The End of Suburbia ?

Hosted by Barrie Zwicker. Featuring James Howard Kunstler, Peter Calthorpe, Michael Klare, Richard Heinberg, Matthew Simmons, Michael C. Ruppert, Julian Darley, Colin Campbell, Kenneth Deffeyes, Ali Samsam Bakhtiari and Steve Andrews.

DVD BONUS: Includes the vintage short films, In the Suburbs and Destination Earth, and producer/director commentary.

Credits:
Host: Barrie Zwicker
Director/Writer: Gregory Greene
Producer: Barry Silverthorn

Web Url:
http://www.endofsuburbia.com

Film Date:
2004

Film Length:
78

Film Review(s):
The film was quite frightening and I am sure many will say these scientists are just alarmists -- but it's so true that petrol and our American way of life cannot and will not last forever. - Anais, California

...it's one of the most important docs in recent years. - Anthony Lappe, Guerrilla News Network

I would say it does for suburban sprawl/related mindless consumerist energy addiction what Fahrenheit 9/11 did for Bush. - Giselle, Texas

This information is quite shocking. I think many people who thought they had sufficient information concerning the energy crisis will be left in a rethinking mode. - Jim, California

The End of Suburbia is a perfect tool for introducing people to peak oil. Just enough humor to sugarcoat the bitter pill. - Jason, California

(Michael Moore) will have to deal with the reality of oil peaking globally, although the recent documentary The End of Suburbia beat him to the punch. - Jan Lundberg, culturechange.org

It's outstanding! -- I watched it Saturday with a group of friends, and plan to hold many more viewings. Thanks for making this important presentation. - Caryl, Pennsylvania

What a hoot. (James Howard) Kunstler is the funniest man alive, and he really had his material polished for this one. I nominate him for prophet status. - b

I thought the movie was FANTASTIC. It really hit all the main points that we at ROE2 are familiar with, and it did so organically, in a non-cramming-it-down-your-throat way. I would imagine that your movie will be especially well-received by those who are more or less "new" to these issues. - Doug, California