This excellent work has given us a valuable and unique documentary of an area few of us know anything about. But far more than telling the story, "Plagues and Pleasures - - -" has captured the artistic nature of the Salton Sea region. And at the same time respect was maintained for the unique characters living there. These people have many interesting stories and bits of history to tell. And this fine film gives them a voice.We liked the preliminary cut when we first saw it at the Portland International Film Festival (PIFF), and appreciate the final version even more.

I first visited the Salton Sea on February 12, 2003. I was in Palm Springs on business. After my workday was done, I saw this big lake on the map not far from Palm Springs. I had never heard of and decided to check it out in person. Ever since that day, I've been drawn to it. The place is simply awesome.This movie is an excellent introduction to the Sea and those that inhabit it's shores. It showcases the stark beauty of the Sea, along with the quirky people who live there. I found it a very interesting tale, presented in a way that resonates with the average viewer. The movie is thought provoking in the way it shows the history of the sea and glimpses it's future.I found it to be an excellent representation of the place I have come to know and love. And it filled in a few blanks for me as well. The humorous take on some of the issues does not disappoint, and John Waters's narration adds appropriate, salient punctuation marks to the story.I would recommend for everyone who can -- go see this film. You will not be disappointed. And also go see the Sea... the film shows what is largely still the current status of the Sea, but parts of it have already changed significantly since the film was released. If you can, see the Sea before it changes for good. But even if you can't make it to the Sea, SEE THIS FILM. It's the best thing going for this place of strange beauty...

As a former resident of this inland sea, i have to give kudos to the filmmakers for their creepy and (sadly) accurate portrait of this overlooked "phenomena" that lies just beyond metropolitan southern California's back door. this film should be mandatory viewing for every greedy, ignorant politician in this corrupt state. i doubt any happy wanderer who happens to drive by or fly over this huge body of water could ever begin to grasp what goes on within and around the seaside communities this documentary focuses on. when i moved there from orange county i jokingly referred to the Salton sea as the ugly pink underbelly of southern California desert life. watching "plagues and pleasures" brings this to light...and all too well. its the kind of film you can laugh along with, and at the same time it can depress the hell out of you. the directors mention "if only Sonny Bono hadn't gone skiing that day." how true. i'd like to add "if only they discovered oil at the Salton sea." if only our state bureaucrats would decide to "clean up their own backyard" before its too late... Metzler & Springer get two sunburned thumbs-up for this one... - Bill Herzog

I had the pleasure of watching this movie over the weekend. I've seen a couple of shorts on the Salton Sea in the past. My wife used to party there so I also have a personal history to draw upon. She watched it with me as well. This piece is a well balanced look at the beginnings of the sea as well as great footage of the heyday. The locals are presented in a less tabloid manner than the previous shorts I've already mentioned. I am drawn to the plight of the residents and will at some time make the trip just to see it for myself. This movie further solidifies my resolve for this trip. It is a documentary that is pretty evident in it's purpose to portray an even handed opinion. It also lists, to a degree, the pluses and minuses on whether CA should spend the money to reclaim the area. I think it's the best piece I've seen on the sea, to date. I'd recommend it to anyone who is interested in the sea or just likes personal interest stories about people who just refuse to give up when everything around them tells them they should.