No, it dilutes the message.
It's, as you well put it, "snuff" films like this that make the underlying REAL discussion more difficult, as they insert half-truthes, misrepresentations and emotions into a more complex issue.
Orca trapping is no longer legal, hasn't been for a long time. So the film didn't serve that purpose. So, what was it's message exactly? Except to garnish self-serving attention for the production team?
I watched it, months ago. It was a well done movie. Well edited, good emotional music. The production values were top notch, and really tug at the heart strings.
All that being said, there are a few telling points. I highly doubted that the more "loyal" interviewees statements were not reviewed by a writer for alliteration and review. They were too scripted, too well stated, and fit far too well to tie together the "story" of the film.
The one that stuck out to me the most was towards the end of the movie where they had interviews with someone a bit defensive of SeaWorld and their mission...and the answers to his questions (in defense of Sea World) were cut off, to be "countered" by others. I won't review the whole movie at this point to get his name...but I can if you care to debate.
The fact is, like a Mike Moore movie, this is extremely well done, and has some excellent points, but misses any real social value, because it has no solution. It doesn't foster discussion, it is merely accusation.
Meaningful change does not come through accusation and rhetoric alone. It comes through understanding and discussion. If only accusation and rhetoric is used, then all that happens is tyranny of the prevailing opinion.
Some are happy with that. I, personally, am not.
Had the show ended with a "Here's what we suggest for the Orca's" moment...I would have felt differently.
But, it didn't. Therefore, it's a hit piece intent on basking it's creators and blind followers in their own "glory" for being "morally" correct for an issue they have created for themselves.
