The Hellstrom Chronicle
Directed by Walon Green and Ed Spiegel
Written by David Seltzer
1971/US
IMDb page
First viewing/YouTube
Dr. Hellstrom: In fighting the insect we have killed ourselves, polluted our water, poisoned our wildlife, permeated our own flesh with deadly toxins. The insect becomes immune, and we are poisoned. In fighting with superior intellect, we have outsmarted ourselves.
This Oscar-winner is one odd documentary. I’m glad I gave it a try.
The film is narrated by Dr. Hellstrom who interrupts the nature photography every five minutes or so with his commentary. Some of it may be factual but most of it is alarmist pseudo-science used to prove his central thesis which is that insects will outlast man due to their superior adaptability and ability to cooperate. Once Hellstrom uses a clip of an attacking giant ant from Them! (1954) to illustrate a point.
In between, we are treated to some beautiful shots of many different kinds of insects going about their business. Toward the end of the film the focus shifts to insects who live in colonies such as bees and ants. I learned a lot about termites!
This movie is what it looks like: some super cheesy science-fiction/horror-flavored filler narrated by an actor and intended to make a nature documentary suitable for wide-distribution to theaters. I actually enjoyed it. The nature documentary and Lilo Schifrin score are pretty fantastic. The other part appeals to the kid in me.
The Hellstrom Chronicle won the Academy Award for Best Documentary, Feature.
No video available from reviewed film so here’s some giant insect action from Kong: Skull Island (2017).
