Totality: The American Eclipse is a documentary movie about the Great American Eclipse, which occurred on August 21, 2017. The movie is directed by Mark Bender and narrated by Geoff Gwynne. The main purpose of this movie is to educate viewers about the importance and rarity of total solar eclipses and to provide a detailed account of the scientific phenomena that occur during such events.
The movie begins by providing a brief history of solar eclipses and the importance that they have held in different cultures throughout time. The movie then introduces us to a few key scientists and eclipse enthusiasts who have dedicated their lives to understanding and studying eclipses. Some of the key characters in the movie include Michael Bakich, the senior editor of Astronomy Magazine, Eric Brown, a high school physics teacher and amateur astronomer, and Don Day Jr., a meteorologist.
The movie then takes us along on an exciting journey as these experts and enthusiasts prepare for the Great American Eclipse. Throughout the movie, we get to see them setting up telescopes and cameras, testing equipment, and strategizing their plans for viewing and recording the eclipse. We also get to see their excitement and anticipation as the big day approaches, and they prepare to witness the spectacular scientific event.
The day of the eclipse finally arrives, and the movie takes us on a breathtaking journey as we witness the moon slowly moving in front of the sun, eventually leading to a total solar eclipse. The movie captures the incredible beauty and awe-inspiring nature of the eclipse, as well as the reactions of those watching it. From the crowds gathered in cities like Nashville and St. Louis to the small groups of scientists and enthusiasts scattered throughout the path of totality, we see the sense of wonder and excitement that the eclipse inspires.
Along with capturing the emotional and awe-inspiring moments of the eclipse, the movie also provides a detailed scientific explanation for what is happening. We learn about the corona, the diamond ring effect, the shadow bands, and many other phenomena that occur during an eclipse. The movie also sheds light on what scientists can learn from eclipses, particularly related to the sun's atmosphere, magnetic fields, and the shape of the moon.
Overall, Totality: The American Eclipse is a must-see movie for anyone interested in science, astronomy, or natural phenomena. It provides an in-depth look at what happens during a total solar eclipse and the importance that they hold for scientists, enthusiasts, and cultures throughout history. The movie captures the beauty and sense of wonder that an eclipse inspires and provides a fascinating scientific explanation for the phenomena that occur. The movie is sure to inspire and educate viewers about the significance of this incredible scientific event.
Totality: The American Eclipse is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 3 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.
