Review of Plastic Bag

The short film Plastic Bag provides a unique perspective through its personification of a bag. The viewer is brought through the story of the plastic bag’s life and because of this experiences the joy of having a purpose, the loss of being disposed of, the pain of prolonged separation, and the gloomy outlook of an infinite life. Exposing the viewer to the intensity of these emotions opens the door to consideration of other concerns within the plot. For example, the pain that the bag feels after being thoughtlessly thrown away allows the viewer to contemplate the act of throwing plastic items away. Recycling would not only be the better choice for the environment it would also give our new friend, the plastic bag, a renewed sense of purpose. This is illustrated later in the film when there is a shot of "the vortex;" a mile or more worth of plastic waste floating in an ocean. Later in the film the bag says, “I wish [my maker] had created me so that I could die.” This reemphasizes the negative effects of thoughtless disposal of plastic items. The method of personifying the plastic bag also adds an appeal to pathos which otherwise would not be present. The viewer wants to help the bag out from its situation in order to relieve its pain. Overall, the decision to personify the plastic bag in this short film benefits the subtle argument to be environmentally conscious.