Who Killed the Electric Car vs. A Crude Awakening: The Oil Crash

Who Killed the Electric Car directed by Chris Paine and A Crude Awakening: The Oil Crash directed by Basil Gelpke and Ray McCormack are similar documentary films in several aspects including their target audiences and viewpoints. Both documentaries choose to approach their messages differently concerning their use(s) of pathos, logos, and ethos. Who Killed the Electric Car relies much more on the use of pathos to relay its argument, while A Crude Awakening: The Oil Crash depends more on its use of logos and ethos. Overall, the argument presented by A Crude Awakening: The Oil Crash is more effective in its presentation and persuasion through its more effective use of …show more content…

Their struggle is communicated well throughout the documentary and allows the viewer to become emotionally attached to the story and the issues presented within the film. The film director chose to attempt to present different sides of the electric vehicle issue in order to refrain from accusing only one group of people. However, this choice leads to a weaker ending in the documentary and reduces its overall effectiveness. Because the film is biased against the car and oil companies throughout, it makes it difficult for the viewer to accept any other explanations even though they are presented at the end of the documentary. The film makers were attempting to let the audience make their own decision regarding the issue but instead create a strong bias because of the emotional attachment felt by the viewer. The Oil Crash also presents a strong bias against the oil companies and an argument for alternative energy sources. However, The Oil Crash is more effective in the presentation of its argument because of its strong logos and ethos appeal and the interviews that are shown. For example, many of the interviewees are shown multiple times with their full name, profession and position in order to accredit them as a professional or expert on the subject. These interviews contain many facts, figures and theories that are explained by the speaker