Dantes Peak
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Temple University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
701
Subject
English
Date
Apr 3, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by ChiefDiscovery9104
Jack Abecassis
02/24/2024
Dante’s Peak Vs. Mt. Pina Tubo After watching the 1997 Hollywood film “Dante’s Peak” and then the Nova documentary “MT. Pina Tubo 1991: In the Path of the Killer Volcano” the differences in the portrayal of each of the scenarios are quite vast. Dante's Peak was a thrilling drama of a town against the threat of a
volcano with multiple characters that built the storyline of the movie. On the other hand, the NOVA documentary focused on the actual science behind the precursors, the eruption prediction, and the evacuation of towns surrounding the Pina Tubo volcano in the Philippines. Together, these films highlighted the difference between storytelling and the portrayal of volcanic eruptions in media.
Building on this, Dante's Peak portrays its volcano as a force of nature that has a mind of its own, which makes the sense of danger much greater and adds to the movie's suspense. Conversely, the NOVA documentary treats the Mount Pina Tubo eruption like a case study or experiment in volcanology which emphasizes the real events and work of scientists to understand and predict the mysteries behind the activity. In Dante’s Peak, the officials of the town were gathered by Harry to be put on alert due to the precursors Harry was witnessing, it was then that Harry’s boss came in and dismissed these findings to not cause panic and economic troubles on the town. This was done to create conflict between the characters and build the story for a heroic escape from the eruption. In the documentary, this is far from what happened, volcanologists from the USGS and PVO had been monitoring Pina Tubo’s activity for months and logging into their records. Several meetings and precursors were relayed to government officials, surrounding
areas, and other groups to coordinate evacuation and provide aid. What stood out significantly is how both the film’s foreshadowing and recognition of precursors are handled. "Dante’s Peak" uses exaggerated signs of an impending eruption, such as violent earthquakes throughout the town and being boiled to death by a hot spring to build suspense. Meanwhile, the NOVA documentary details the months of seismic activity, gas emissions, and helicopter trips to monitor
the ground deformations that led to the prediction of the eruption. During the eruptions, Dante’s Peak was action-packed with a range of hazards such as pyroclastic flows, ash fall, and acidification of water that led to scenes of slight escapes and immense danger. However, as depicted by the 1991 eruption these hazards are less instantaneous and should still merit the caution they deserve. Additionally, Dante's Peak exaggerates the chaos of an eruption with a dramatized, last-minute evacuation. Opposite to this, the documentary highlights the orderly evacuation around Pina Tubo, underscoring the benefits of early warnings and preparedness that save lives and reduce destruction.
In conclusion, Dante’s Peak and the Nova documentary MT. Pina Tubo 1991: In the Path of the Killer Volcano offer vastly different views on volcanic eruptions.
Dante’s Peak dramatizes the event, prioritizing thrilling action and storytelling, while the documentary adopts a factual stance, highlighting the crucial role of science and preparedness.
This contrast is how entertainment and education shape public conversation about volcanos which underscores the media's influence on perception and disaster preparedness.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help