Centuries ago, many cultures believed the Earth was a flat disc. As scientific thought and technology evolved, the Earth was revealed to be a globe, a view that's widely accepted today—but not by...
Behind The Curve circles round the central premise of societal ostracisation. “Flat Earthers”. A community of conspiracy theorists that believe the Earth, our lavish planet brimming with flora and fauna, is indeed flat. Disputing Earth’s sphericity as a manufactured fabrication from “higher powers” to ensure civilisation remains unaware of what really is waiting outside of the colossal “ice wall” that surrounds this disk we call our planet. Photographs of Earth from space? Photoshopped propaganda, obviously. With many interpreting the Bible indicating that the Earth is flat, exemplifying theological extremities through religion. Ignoring the persistence of scientific evidence and ancient cultures limited to this archaic conception of cosmography. Archaic being the vital word there...!
Regardless, if you believe that the “Flat Earth Society” has grounds for plausibility or you think that they’re methods of thinking borderlines a cultist’s perspective, that’s not the purpose of Clark’s documentary feature. It provides a humanistic perspective on a community ostracised by society for their beliefs, discussing the possible consequences of minimal critical thinking in modern society. The contagious sentiments of ridiculing educational systems and governmental bodies (most notably NASA), almost perceives “Flat Earthers” to be anarchists. These members are shrouded in self-belief, alluding to the manifestation of passion which drives these individuals into forming a community. They are all share the same enthusiasm, and illustrate that ardour through seemingly harmless methods. But actually, the mental damage is inflicted upon society itself, for allowing scientifically illiterate theorists to share their voice and corrupt others. Clark’s intentions are well-perceived, supplying “Flat Eartherism” as an analogy for self-belief. Ignoring the mockery that others provide and reducing inner guilt. Covering the International Flat Earth Conference by following popular members such as Sargent and Steere depict the provocations of sharing one’s voice to the world.
Yet, there’s an equally damaging appeal to this feature. Clark includes interviews from professionals of the scientific community. Professors, academics and astronauts. Individuals who, unsurprisingly, disprove the conspiracy theories with minimal brain activity. Just simple observations and logic. Instantly, that enables the “Flat Earthers” to be perceived as stubborn, obtuse lunatics. Consequently producing empathy for these members who are deranged by their ideologies. Recording the daily lives of Sargent and Steere, including the sweltering chemistry between them, allows this documentary to be a platform for their personalities. Subconsciously, the emergence of amiability arises. You feel for them, as human beings. Despite their outrageous claims that deems science useless.
Personally, that’s a dangerous action to take. Enabling opportunities for these members to brainwash others into joining them by humanising them. Could you imagine a similar perspective on the Westboro Baptist Church? Or even “Jediism”? (yes, the philosophy behind Jedi characters in ‘Star Wars’...it’s a thing!). Rather frustratingly, these members of the Flat Earth Society do have intellectual capabilities as they perform their own meticulous experiments to disprove the current viewpoint. Yet, it’s another case of searching for errors and/or alternative routes to enhance their own theory, ignoring all other negative possibilities in the process.
Behind The Curve, for what it’s worth, is a watchable documentary that provides a humanistic approach to societal fragmentation. Granting several members a chance to voice their theories and allow audiences to share their beliefs. But the level of empathy produced obscures the purpose of Clark’s documentary, and becomes minacious in itself. The Earth is not flat though, let me be clear...
