Review of Trouble the Water Documentary
New Orleans residents film Hurricane Katrina as the tragedy unfolds
Apr 28, 2009 Alicia Michelle Morgan
Kim Rivers Roberts and her husband Scott like many residents of New Orleans decided to remain in the city despite evacuation orders. It is easy for an outsider looking in to say that residents stayed at their own risk. However, a deeply inquiring mind will discover in reality for many New Orleans residents leaving is never quite that simple when finances are strained. Trouble the Water is a true testament of human survival providing the other side of the story that many people never saw in mainstream media. The documentary is raw and uncut in providing a glimpse of New Orleans before, during and in the aftermath of the devastating story of Hurricane Katrina’s catastrophic effects to the Gulf Coast Region.
Life Before the Storm
New Orleans prior to the day Hurricane Katrina hit is best described as it usual self but with a cloud of uncertainty lingering over its head based on news that a Category Five Hurricane would directly hit the city. Kim Rivers Roberts enjoys the hospitable nature of her neighbors while asking and filming them about whether or not they will evacuate the city. Most of the people are nonchalant, smiling and feeling like news reporters are just overreacting. There have been many false alarms and warnings about hurricanes that never show up in the city so many residents have decided not to leave in haste. Kim begins to film again later in the night as winds pick up and gray clouds cover the city it becomes obvious that heavy rain is on its way even if does not show up as Category Five Hurricane. Overall for Kim Roberts this will become one of the most candid documentaries about her life, family and friends personal struggles of survival during and in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Love Within the Storm
On August 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina makes landfall in the City of New Orleans and a tidal wave of water will begin to test the structural and spiritual integrity of the city. The good times will not roll for many residents as they begin to search for a shelter of safety when the levees break and recovery becomes slow. Kim Roberts, her husband and her neighbors seek shelter in attics and survive on minimal food. Despite the situation being grim everyone sticks together in spite of any ill feelings they may have previously held against one another. This test of human spirit proves that there can still be love and compassion within a storm in which human life can be taken away within an instant.
Coping with the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
The aftermath proved to be a hard pill to swallow. There were dead bodies found in homes and random locations where people sought shelter but never found a safe haven. Kim Rivers Roberts loses her uncle and grandmother after Hurricane Katrina. Kim begins to reflect on the direction of her own life as she and her husband try to pick up the pieces to rebuild their lives. The aftermath proved to uncover another type of storm in which the spirit was overwhelmed by tears of frustration. FEMA recovery aid and government assistance took several weeks and months for many people to receive. Kim still remains hopeful recognizing that certain things are simply in God’s control. Kim finds refuge in her music and the undying love of her husband.
Trouble the Water is a must see because it depicts the heart, soul and true nature of the people of New Orleans who are misunderstood for remaining in the city during Hurricane Katrina.
For more information on Trouble the Water
For viewings on HBO
The Voices of Hurricane Katrina
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