The Last Video of Life on Earth It is regrettable to admit this, but the long absence of a real threat of global catastrophe has led to the fact that humanity has focused its attention on research that has essentially led to nothing worthwhile. Developing all sorts of entertainment gadgets, betting on mass consumption, siphoning out the last money from the population, the powerful of this world were the culprits that the planet was completely defenseless in the face of external threat. All weapons that are created on Earth are primarily aimed at the destruction of man and are not able to protect him from the inevitable collision with the fate that sooner or later will visit the solar system, threatening to incinerate all living things that have been created for so long either by nature or by higher forces.
There are many possible ways to destroy the Earth. Some scientists are inclined to believe that humanity will one day destroy itself due to the inexorable development of production, which entails pollution of air and water bodies. It is likely that we will deal with some dangerous virus, cleansing the planet of the most insidious parasite in the history of its existence. But one of the most realistic possibilities to wipe us off the face of the universe is a meteorite. There are many places on Earth where you can see ancient wounds caused by giant stone blocks that flew hundreds of light years to eventually fall on our planet. We can say with high probability that meteorites caused the death of the dinosaurs and bombarded the Earth more than once, but then this nightmare stopped, allowing the formation of human civilization. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the cosmic danger has reminded itself again. The famous Tunguska meteorite was the event that the whole world talked about, but in view of the emerging First World War, people switched to confrontation with each other, instead of uniting into a single team. Another hint for people, saying that they are not all-powerful, flew in the 21st century, when a pillar of fire flew over the Russian city of Chelyabinsk, which caused a real panic. Finally, a new generation of people realized the insignificance of being, clearly seeing what a nightmare the cosmic depths conceal. Nuclear warheads, manned spaceships, supersonic fighters – nothing can turn back the inevitable, too few forces are thrown at the safety of the Earth. But what could be the end of everything we knew? What will happen to society if a global catastrophe comes in, say, two weeks? These questions seriously interested novice British director Gregory Richters, splashed out all his ideas and thoughts in the format of a 43-minute film called “51 degrees”.
The story follows young documentary filmmaker Damon Miller (Maurice von Zeddelmann), who volunteered to become the last person left on the planet before the meteorite disaster, in order to leave for survivors a unique chronicle of the events associated with the End of the World. Until recently, the hero did not even think that soon he would have to say goodbye to everything he loved so much. Damon lived a very ordinary life and was able to succeed, shooting a series of hilarious videos for popular Internet resources. In addition to professional activities, the guy established a relationship with a charming girl who later became pregnant. Damon will create a strong, happy family and will continue to work for people, entertaining them with his video materials. However, all the plans of the hero collapsed when it became known and the approaching finale of human civilization. Some people received a unique opportunity to escape, having received an invitation to go to a kind of Noah’s Ark, built in orbit. Among the lucky were Damon and his loved ones, but the hero himself accepted the offer from leading scientists and respected public figures to stay on Earth and show what will happen to her, how people will behave and, of course, capture the moment of the meteorite fall. Damon clearly had a hard time making that decision. It is possible that documentary filmmakers without family obligations could take on the responsible task, but the hero chose the path that allowed him to become a legend.
The tape of Gregory Richters is a cutting of the documentary chronicle and other segments of videos shot by Damon Miller, explained on behalf of his grown-up son, opening for people of the future the last moments of the life of their historical homeland. We don’t know exactly what happened to humanity after it went into orbit, nor does it matter. The story focuses on Damon Miller and his mission. It is impossible to accept it, because the hero acted heroically, but completely irresponsible towards his family. Leaving his pregnant wife in a difficult situation by sending her into orbit, Miller thought of his own greatness in the first place, although the director desperately told us otherwise. Forcing his character to take numerous interviews with scientists and reflect on various philosophical topics, Gregory Richters never managed to convince us of the need for Miller’s mission. His work could be done by other people who have nothing to lose. Plus, you can not discount webcams placed around the world and whose image can be easily broadcast into orbit.
The director did not press on the heat of drama. Until the very end, it is difficult to believe that the main character is seriously worried about something, tries to convince his family and casual viewers that his work is really important. “51 degrees” looks like a dry documentary production, with the detachment of the robot, telling about the approaching end of the world without unnecessary emotions. From a technical point of view, "51 degrees" does not raise questions - everything is done in a single style, there is not the slightest doubt that everything that happens on the screen could happen in real life. If Grigory Richters breathed true emotions into the presented facts, then his film could become an exemplary production that clings to the soul. And without this important element, “51 Degrees” turned out to be an entertaining but devoid of feelings story that you can either read or miss.
6 out of 10