Louisiana Story (1948)

This has a definite documentary feel to it as we follow the laconic activities of a young boy (Joseph Boudreaux) on the bayou. He lives with his folks but spends most of his time in his boat playing on the water, catching arms-length catfish and occasionally rather recklessly trying to capture an alligator - all watched by his raccoon who usually has the sense to stay on dry land. One day he heads downstream and encounters some men who are working on a newly arrived oil rig. They are friendly enough, impressed by his fishing skills, and are quite happy to indulge his curiosity. As they progress though, he begins to realise that their presence on his river could potentially alter the balance of his life and it's relationship with the natural surroundings for ever - especially if the well hits the lucrative sticky black stuff. It is a bit slow, but somehow that serves to well reflect the pace of the lad's life and quite effectively maximises the impact of the encroaching industrialisation on him and his parents. The photography illustrates the wildlife and simplicity of his life and the paucity of dialogue leaves much of the heavy lifting to the imagery and to our own imagination. A 1940s NIMBY scenario, perhaps - especially given there were very few to object in a nation craving for oil for it's burgeoning car ownership and energy consumption demands. It's a gentle watch, but has a potent impact.