MartinHafer "Plagues and Pleasures on the Salton Sea" is a documentary that examines the heyday of this huge accidentally created saltwater lake in California but mostly focuses on the lake today--now that the lake has become a bit of a nuisance and most of the landowners have moved. It consists of some narration and stock footage but mostly it's interviews with the folks who have inexplicably chosen to stay.I saw this film to two reason--I like documentaries and it was narrated by John Waters. Having Waters' involvement made me assume that the film was very quirky--as did the description from Netflix. Well, I will admit a few of the folks were very quirky (especially the 75 year-old nudist---EWWWW!!!), the overall film was only mildly interesting and not much more. Now I am sure the film would have been more interesting had I lived in California, but for most folks it probably will be a hard sell.

suprafx-1 I just wanted to express how much I enjoyed your documentary. I had heard about the Salton Sea from the 2002 film starring Val Kilmer, but until I saw your film I had no idea that there was such a promising past for the Salton Sea. It was truly heartbreaking to see how the once ideal location has grown into an ailing sore of sorts, but I especially love the fact that you were able to at once depict the sad depressing nature of the Salton Sea and showcase the beauty of it all, even in the face of it's ultimate decline into obscurity.I find it strange that I've never heard about the Salton Sea considering it was once such a promising place for investors and vacationers. I truly hope that in some way your film has helped to generate a new found interest in the forgotten city, and hopefully sparked some new efforts to alleviate the problems that the sea and all of the townspeople face.I've gone ahead and ordered the DVD. I can't wait to get my hands on it.Thanks so much for the experience and keep the doc's coming!

Jim (ilumin8r) I first visited the Salton Sea on February 12, 2003. I was in Palm Springs on business. After my workday was done, I saw this big lake on the map not far from Palm Springs. I had never heard of and decided to check it out in person. Ever since that day, I've been drawn to it. The place is simply awesome.This movie is an excellent introduction to the Sea and those that inhabit it's shores. It showcases the stark beauty of the Sea, along with the quirky people who live there. I found it a very interesting tale, presented in a way that resonates with the average viewer. The movie is thought provoking in the way it shows the history of the sea and glimpses it's future.I found it to be an excellent representation of the place I have come to know and love. And it filled in a few blanks for me as well. The humorous take on some of the issues does not disappoint, and John Waters's narration adds appropriate, salient punctuation marks to the story.I would recommend for everyone who can -- go see this film. You will not be disappointed. And also go see the Sea... the film shows what is largely still the current status of the Sea, but parts of it have already changed significantly since the film was released. If you can, see the Sea before it changes for good. But even if you can't make it to the Sea, SEE THIS FILM. It's the best thing going for this place of strange beauty...

ninspinster I actually ended up at this movie by accident at a film festival, and it ended up being the best film I saw all weekend. Don't let the environmental message put you off - this a warm and tender film told by the quirky, engaging individuals that live in the communities surrounding the Salton Sea. John Waters is a perfect narrator, since he embraces and celebrates all things eccentric. I had never been to the Salton Sea & knew nothing about how it had been formed in the first place and what an ecological disaster it has become. But what resonated with me about this film was the people that live there and their stories - why they came in the first place, why they stayed, and what they're doing to try and improve things in their communities. I think of them quite often and wonder how they're doing.