The Ethics of Nature Documentaries: Why Filmmakers Dont Intervene

Why don't nature film makers intervene when something brutal happens? I get quite upset when I see predators brutally killing prey. Why don't the filmmakers intervene? If it was me, I would run in there with a shotgun. This is a common sentiment among viewers who have witnessed the harsh realities of nature through documentaries. But is this the best approach for ethical nature filmmaking?

Empathy for the Predator

Let's consider the perspective of the predator. You're hungry, and you can only eat meat. Responsible predators, like lions, must seek out and kill weaker or sick animals to ensure that the stronger individuals in their group can breed. This behavior isn't purely cruel; it's a survival mechanism. If a young gazelle wanders away from its herd and is caught by a predator, it serves as a natural check on the population, preventing overgrazing and ensuring the survival of the species as a whole.

Imagine the scene again. You catch the gazelle, but its mother can't save it because the predator has already taken the young one. You do what you need to do to ensure the survival of your own young. After all, as a parent, wouldn't you do the same thing? The predator isn't a monster—it's simply fulfilling its role in the ecosystem.

The Human Perspective

Now, consider the human perspective. A human observing the scene stands by and calls the predator a monster. But the predator is just doing what it needs to do to feed its young. The baby gazelle's mother and its three other offspring will spend the next few days slowly dying of hunger and thirst. Whose act is more monstrous? The predator's need to eat or the human's perceived rescue of the baby gazelle at the cost of its mother and siblings?

This scenario highlights the ethical dilemma inherent in nature documentaries. Filmmakers must choose whether to present a 'truer' and more complete picture of nature or a sanitized version that portrays the wild as a place without cruelty.

The Real Nature

The essence of nature is that it's a delicate balance of life and death. Some animals must die so that others can live. This is a fundamental truth that filmmakers should embrace, not hide. If you want to see a lion kill and eat a gazelle, why would you prefer the lion to be shot or starve to death? Nature doesn't operate on a peaceful, life-only paradigm; it thrives on the interplay of life and death.

Imagine a documentary showing the natural process of a lion hunting a gazelle. This footage may make viewers uncomfortable, but it's not far from the truth of what happens in the wild. Would you rather see this natural process or a lion starving to death because a filmmaker decided it was unethical to show violence? Nature is a function of life thriving on death. For a true representation of nature, documentaries should capture this reality.

Why Filmmakers Don't Intervene

So, why don't filmmakers intervene? It's not just a matter of ethical intention but also of practicality. Filmmakers have to balance their desire to preserve the natural order with the public's interest in witnessing dramatic moments. Intervening would disrupt the natural balance and could affect the behaviors being observed. Filmmakers must accept that their presence, albeit minimal, can alter the wildlife's natural behaviors. Intervention would introduce an artificial element that wouldn't reflect the true nature of the ecosystem.

Additionally, ethical filmmakers should educate their audience about the realities of nature. By showcasing the harsh truths, they can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the complex ecosystem. Filmmakers who intervene may actually be doing more harm than good by muddling the natural order.

Conclusion

Creating a nature documentary requires a delicate balance between truth and audience satisfaction. While it's crucial to respect the natural order and avoid unnecessary interventions, it's equally important to educate viewers about the harsh realities of the natural world. Embracing the full spectrum of nature, including its life and death cycles, is essential for a truly representative and educational documentary. Nature is what it is, and it's up to filmmakers to capture that truth, even if it's uncomfortable at times.