Blue Vinyl
(Docurama)

Subtitled “the world’s first toxic comedy,” Blue Vinyl is at once both hilarious and horrifying, as filmmaker Judith Helfland investigates the dangers of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) after her parents decide to re-finish the outside of their home with vinyl siding. Starting in Long Island, her travels take her to Louisiana where much of the country’s vinyl is manufactured, to Venice, Italy where she interviews families of workers who have died from exposure to PVC in a local plant and where the death rate was so significant, that over two dozen former executives are on trial for manslaughter. Along the way she speaks to environmental activists, industry lobbyists and corporate executives, all of whom are quick to tow their party lines (at least on camera). Helfand makes a convincing case for the toxicity of PVC and while possibly not the most objective film ever made, it’s definitely a wake-up call for anyone who is concerned for their personal well being and the long-term effect of chemicals in our environment. - David Bassin