Backdrop preview Rock Bottom Riser backdrop
Rock Bottom Riser

Rock Bottom Riser (2021)

Sep 09, 2021 1h 10m Documentary

From the earliest voyagers who navigated by starlight to the discovery of habitable planets by astronomers, Rock Bottom Riser examines the all-encompassing encounters of an island world at sea. As lava continues to flow from the earth’s core on the island of Hawaii—posing an imminent danger—a crisis mounts. Astronomers plan to build the world’s largest telescope on Hawaii’s most sacred and revered mountain, Mauna Kea. Based on ancient Polynesian navigation, the arrival of Christian missionaries, and the observatory’s ability to capture the origins of the universe, Rock Bottom Riser surveys the influence of settler colonialism, the search for intelligent life, and the discovery of new worlds as we peer into our own planet’s existence.

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Directed by Fern Silva

Cast

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Nainoa Thompson

as master navigator

Moses Goods
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Moses Goods

as Henry Opukahaia

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Rubellite Johnson

as voiceover / historian

Avi Loeb
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Avi Loeb

as astronomer

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Kalepa Baybayon

as voiceover / master navigator

Dwayne Johnson
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Dwayne Johnson

as himself

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Franck Marchis

as voiceover / astronomer

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David Maille

as voiceover / Hawaiian activist

Crew

Director
  • Fern Silva
Producer
  • Fern Silva

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Thematic Analysis

Rock Bottom Riser represents a fascinating example of Documentary cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Fern Silva brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Rock Bottom Riser took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 70 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 130 minutes long.
  • The film contains approximately 2481 individual shots.
  • The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 2021, when this film is released:
  • Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
  • Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: September 9, 2021
  • Runtime: 1h 10m

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