Blackfish did not go as far as I expected it to go in one aspect. But for that, it went just far enough. And having seen the preview at least four times, I had a feeling what I was in for; what I left with was more than I expected.
Blackfish tells the tale of orca whales in captivity and the devastating outcomes that have subsequently occurred. The story of Dawn Brancheau, a whale trainer at SeaWorld Orlando killed in 2010 at work by an orca, frames the film’s premise as the film investigates previous reports of accidents and attacks.
The star of the movie might be considered to be Tilikum—the largest orca whale in captivity. The film uses Tilikum’s history to support its claim of the negative effects of captivity. But really, did we need multiple deaths to support that claim? At what point does taking a huge, social, creature out of an open ocean; storing it in a tank, withholding food for performance; and forcing this family-is-everything being to live with strangers become acceptable? The most telling (saddest) line of the movie sums it up: in forty years, we have learned nothing.
The intelligence of these creatures astounds. The emotion of them amazes. Their strength, though, should surprise no one. Once you add strength, intelligence, and emotion to captivity, no doubt, danger lurks. Revenge? I not only accept such based on the fascinating information revealed in the film about their brains, but I too expect as much based on their socialization and subsequent treatment. As someone who’s studied justified killings, I cannot help but think we would justify the like killing if perpetrated by a human. And we would completely understand it occurring; after all, that’s what justified killings are.
Okay, so my view is clearly biased. But I can say that I appreciated the film trying to be balanced. Several people were interviewed who defended the practices of whale performances. (SeaWorld refused to comment.) Still, call me a cynic, but as I watched it, my thoughts were, “He signed a confidentiality agreement” or “She still works there.” Okay, so yes, maybe I’m a cynic. wink emoticon
In forty years, we have learned nothing. After being involved in three humans’ deaths, Tilikum still performs for SeaWorld. Wow. Have we still not learned? (Would we *intentionally* put a person in a situation that would justify a killing—especially knowing the person had reacted in such a manner in the past?)
(In an aside, I’m torn on the information of Tilikim siring so many offspring; if the aggression comes from the treatment and removal of the familial structure, perhaps—-*perhaps*—-hi
I learned a lot by watching this film. To date, I’ve never been to SeaWorld.
Looking forward, I’m not in a hurry to do so.