About the film
A Snowmobile for George is a revealing cinematic road trip that collects the stories of fishermen, cowboys and firemen who have had to face the consequences of environmental deregulation by the U.S. Government. Triggered by a question about the film director’s humble two-stroke snowmobile engine, this trip steadily reveals the political strategy and rationale behind a massive sell-off of public resources.
This provocative film documents the toll that environmental deregulation has had on the lives of ordinary people. Curious about why President Bush reversed regulations to phase out the two-stroke snowmobile, filmmaker Todd Darling hits the open road to look at this and other acts of deregulation. His adventurous cross-country trip reveals political manipulation that caused the death of thousands of salmon on the Klamath River, suppressed water rules that resulted in a range war between ranchers and oil companies in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin, and had serious health consequences for firefighters, paramedics and Wall Street workers triggered by White House suppression of environmental regulations in the aftermath of 9-11. The film uncovers how the Administration worked efficiently to match up the goals of select industries with the political priorities of the Republican White House at the expense of the little guy.
Reviews
“This is a fitting testimony to a sick era in American politics.”–Bill McKibben, Educator, Environmentalist, Author, The End of Nature and Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future
“An engaging and richly informative investigation of the clash between those who love the environment and those who treat it as a disposable item in the corporate plunder-for-profit system. Composed with perception, irony, and humor, A Snowmobile for George is something to really see. It reminds us that the ecological struggle is also very much a political struggle.” –Michael Parenti, author, Contrary Notions and The Culture Struggle
“Although Bush is no longer in Washington, his legacy remains, and A Snowmobile for George offers a harsh inventory of the former president’s actions. Highly recommended.” –Video Librarian
“Darling interviews everyday ranchers, fishermen, and firemen, listening to opponents and proponents of Bush’s policies alike. He truly hits his stride by exposing Federal conflicts of interest and illuminating the political power play behind the scenes.” –San Francisco Bay Guardian
“A far-reaching, clearly drawn examination of the environmental policy of the Bush administration…Darling exposes a chilling disregard on the part of this administration not only for the environment but for citizens.” –Chris Honoré, Ashland Daily Tidings
“Preferring pluck over political preachyness, Darling’s method should connect with both lefties and conservatives.” –Matt Kettman, Santa Barbara Independent
“A visually beautiful and well-crafted doc about the evils of deregulation…. Subtle, sly and funny, except when it’s horrifying…Terrific movie.” –KBOO FM Radio
