Salt and Fire 2017
Directed by
Werner Herzog
Made by
XLrator Media
Plot Summary
As the sun dips below the horizon in the parched landscapes of South America, three distinguished scientists—Dr. Laura Sommerfield, Dr. Fabio Cavani, and Dr. Arnold Meir—find themselves unexpectedly transported to the treacherous expanses of Salar de Uyuni, a toxic salt flat. Their journey is part of a United Nations inquiry into a disastrous ecological crisis that has unfolded due to the diversion of two rivers for agricultural irrigation, resulting in a rapidly expanding and dangerously contaminated habitat.
Upon their arrival, the scientists’ plans take a sinister turn as they are captured by the unpredictable CEO (Michael Shannon) of the corporation behind the environmental calamity. His intentions remain enigmatic; he is both haunted by the results of the catastrophe and bewildered by its broader implications. Unbeknownst to the scientists, their capture is merely a prelude to a far graver threat—the awakening of the ancient supervolcano, Uturunku, which threatens to erupt with catastrophic consequences.
As tension rises, the two male scientists face an unsettling form of restraint, forced to consume mysterious food that causes agonizing digestive pain, leaving them powerless to communicate about their dire situation. In a stark contrast, Dr. Sommerfield embarks on a harrowing journey into the heart of the barren salt flat, finding herself trapped with two young children, Huascar and Atahualpa. The children’s names are a tribute to the last independent rulers of the Incan Empire, who famously fought against one another. Provisioned with only a week’s worth of food, their survival hinges on a precarious edge as they grapple with the terrifying possibility of being deserted in such a merciless environment.
As the CEO’s malicious plan unfolds, Dr. Sommerfield is thrust into a desperate struggle for survival, alongside the two innocent boys who are revealed to be his adopted children—their blindness symbolizing the tragic fallout of the very disaster caused by the CEO’s conglomerate. The CEO’s intentions are intricately malevolent: by orchestrating Dr. Sommerfield’s isolation, he aims to manipulate her into crafting a poignant report—not just filled with figures, but one that encapsulates the profound human suffering resulting from the catastrophe. At a critical moment, the CEO shocks Dr. Sommerfield by disclosing his familial tie to the children, adding a layer of emotional complexity to their dire situation.
Faced with this staggering revelation, the CEO extends an unexpected olive branch to Dr. Sommerfield: a first-class ticket to Rome and an invitation to visit the Santissima Trinità dei Monti convent—a place of deep personal significance for him. He yearns for her to experience the beauty of its cloister, intricately adorned with a compelling anamorphic fresco depicting Saint Francis of Paula in communion with nature. As the stakes rise and the CEO’s future dangles precariously, Dr. Sommerfield earnestly implores him to accompany her on her journey, pleading that he reconsider the path leading to his own inevitable destruction. Nevertheless, he remains steadfast, convinced that his capture is merely a stepping stone toward an impending collapse.
Timeline
Journey to Salar de Uyuni
As three distinguished scientists land in the expansive Salar de Uyuni, they are drawn into a UN investigation regarding an ecological disaster. The vast salt flat, previously a serene landscape, now bears the scars of contamination due to agricultural water diversion policies.
Capture by the CEO
The scientists' mission quickly takes a dangerous turn when they are captured by the CEO of the corporation responsible for the environmental crisis. His unsettling demeanor and complex motives puzzle the scientists as they grapple with their precarious situation.
Threat of Uturunku
Amidst the chaos, the awakening of the ancient Uturunku supervolcano looms ominously over the horizon. The eruption could have catastrophic consequences for the area and serves as a ticking clock for the scientists and the CEO alike.
Strange Food Restraints
Dr. Fabio Cavani and Dr. Arnold Meir find themselves in physical restraint due to consuming unknown food. The resulting digestive pains inhibit their ability to communicate and strategize their escape from the perilous situation.
Dr. Sommerfield's Journey
Dr. Laura Sommerfield embarks on a distressing trek across the salt flat, where she discovers two young children, Huascar and Atahualpa. Their predicament is dire, as they are trapped with limited resources in an inhospitable environment.
Survival with the Children
With only a week's worth of food at their disposal, Dr. Sommerfield and the children are faced with the harsh realities of survival. The loss of sight for the children symbolizes the devastation inflicted by the environmental disaster that brought them here.
Malicious Intent Revealed
As events unfold, it becomes clear that the CEO's capture of the scientists was part of a larger manipulative scheme. He seeks to exploit Dr. Sommerfield's compassion and expertise to produce a compelling report that highlights the human cost of the tragedy.
Emotional Connection
A shocking revelation unveils the CEO's personal link to the children—his adopted sons. This familial connection adds emotional complexity to an already fraught situation, deepening the stakes for Dr. Sommerfield as she navigates her survival.
An Olive Branch
In a surprising twist, the CEO offers Dr. Sommerfield a first-class ticket to Rome, including an invitation to visit the renowned Santissima Trinità dei Monti convent. This gesture is laden with personal significance for him, as he seeks redemption.
Plea for Reconsideration
During their tense interaction, Dr. Sommerfield passionately urges the CEO to reflect on his path and reconsider the implications of his actions. She appeals to his humanity in hopes of averting further disaster while he contemplates his future.
Escape Attempts
With tensions mounting, the scientists begin to devise escape plans, facing both physical and psychological challenges. The toxic environment and the CEO's machinations complicate their attempts to break free from their captivity.
The Growing Crisis
As days pass in their desperate situation, the threat of the supervolcano's eruption intensifies. The environmental decay not only endangers their lives but also serves as a dire warning about the damage caused by corporate greed.
Facing the Catastrophe
Ultimately, the scientists must confront the growing calamity head-on as their situation grows increasingly perilous. They understand that their survival and the future of many depend on how they manage to escape and expose the underlying truths.
Characters
Dr. Laura Sommerfield
A determined scientist, Dr. Sommerfield exemplifies resilience and compassion as she navigates the hostile environment of the salt flats. She finds herself undertaking a harrowing survival journey alongside two blind boys, showcasing her nurturing instincts. Her character is driven by a quest for truth and justice amid dire circumstances.
CEO (Michael Shannon)
The enigmatic CEO finds himself in a moral conflict, haunted by the consequences of his corporation's actions. His character oscillates between villainy and vulnerability, increasingly revealing the weight of his decisions. This duality adds depth to his motivations, particularly regarding his adopted children and the environmental disaster at hand.
Dr. Fabio Cavani
Dr. Cavani is one of the distinguished scientists embroiled in the ecological crisis. His experience and scientific knowledge play a crucial role, but he also suffers physically and mentally during his captivity. The stress of the situation highlights his vulnerabilities amidst the chaos.
Dr. Arnold Meir
Dr. Meir, like his fellow scientists, is confronted with the harsh realities of their research outcomes. His character reflects the emotional toll that academic and scientific pursuits can take when faced with real-world consequences. He struggles with helplessness during their confinement.
Huascar
Huascar is one of the two boys found by Dr. Sommerfield, representing innocence amid catastrophe. His character, named after the last independent ruler of the Incan Empire, embodies resilience, innocence, and the cruel circumstances stemming from the environmental disaster. His blindness amplifies the tragic elements of their survival story.
Atahualpa
Atahualpa, the younger brother, alongside Huascar, symbolizes the vulnerability of youth caught in dire situations. Named after the famous Incan ruler, his character highlights themes of survival and familial ties, showcasing the emotional connection he shares with his brother and Dr. Sommerfield.
Setting
Location
Salar de Uyuni, Santissima Trinità dei Monti
Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat, located in South America, known for its stark, breathtaking landscapes that appear both desolate and stunning. This expansive region experiences extreme conditions, making it famous for its unique geological and ecological features, as well as its role in an environmental crisis. The Santissima Trinità dei Monti is a convent in Rome, which holds personal significance for the CEO, celebrated for its stunning architecture and beautiful frescoes.
Themes
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Ecological Crisis
The movie explores the devastating effects of environmental mismanagement, exemplified by the diversion of rivers that led to the ecological collapse seen in Salar de Uyuni. This theme underscores the urgent need for responsible stewardship of natural resources. The catastrophic consequences serve as a backdrop to the personal struggles of the characters caught in the web of this crisis.
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Survival
Survival is a key theme as characters navigate the harsh realities of the salt flats, grappling with limited resources while facing physical and emotional challenges. Dr. Sommerfield's journey emphasizes the instinct to protect and sustain others, particularly the two young boys she finds herself trapped with. Their plight brings attention to the human cost of environmental degradation.
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Familial Bonds
The connection between the CEO and the children highlights complex familial relationships amid chaos and moral dilemmas. Their blind fate symbolizes the broader human suffering caused by the environmental disaster. This theme elevates the narrative’s emotional weight, as familial ties complicate decisions and loyalties in the face of adversity.
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