TROUBLE THE WATER
Documentary
Directed By: Tea Lessin and Carl Deal
By John Delia
Trouble the Water is stark realization of Hurricane Katrina’s mighty blow on New Orleans. From a home video camera a whole new perspective of the devastation comes to life and it was very shocking. For those who like to see reality shows, this account should keep you on the edge of your seat.
Kimberly Roberts took her new camera and decided that she was going to stay in her home and film Hurricane Katrina as it came barreling down on her city of New Orleans. Little did she know that being within blocks of the levees her life would be put in mortal danger, not from just the wind, but the rising water. With the wind blowing and the water filling her streets, she went up to her attic with her husband. Scenes of the water getting higher and higher are very scary. With the lights off and her battery dieing on her camera and cell phone, Kimberly continues her terrifying story.
But the film does not just cover the initial hit of the hurricane, but the aftermath that most television crews were not able to cover. Getting down to the grass roots, Kimberley and her husband along with a new friend explore the area in which they live. Over several days we see her chats with the military and the local police, none of which were any help during their captivity from the storm.
Seeing the tragedy that took place in New Orleans unfold is a great way to get the real facts and not the sugar coating. I liked the way the documentary editors integrated the footage taken by Roberts with film from others, including television accounts. I also was pleased with finding out what happened to Roberts after she and her husband left the area to seek living quarters in another state and then back again. It sort of tied the whole story together.
If you can find the film in your area, go see it. Trouble the Water should have you talking about it to others long after the lights come back up in the theatre.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Trouble the Water is a great documentary that should be viewed by all. (4 of 5 stars)