1. Blackfish- A documentary analysis
By Ana Karon

2. Summary and Argument
The Story: One killer whale named Tillikum kept in captivity for 33 years and who killed two trainers.
The Issue: Keeping Orcas in captivity and using them for human entertainment is cruel and psychologically damaging to the whales resulting in the deaths of trainers.

3. Mode of Documentary Types of Evidence Observational Expository
No single narrator or spokesperson
Gives “real” feeling- not filming
Expository
Interviews of one side
Images and voice-over
Types of Evidence
Interviews: Neurologist, Family members, Audience, former employees, hunter
Facts from relevant sources (OSHA)
Public statements and news
Visual Tools: clips, animations, pictures

4. Strengths and Weaknesses
“Poisoning the Well” overuse of pathos
Anecdotal fallacy
One sided
Strengths
Many different sources/people
Real video clips of discussed event
Uses evidence to get to conclusion

5. The Evidence
Claim: Tillikum’s actions prove that whales in captivity are crazy and prone to act more aggressively. Orcas should not be kept like this because it is inhumane.
Kairos: The documentary was filmed after Dawn’s death- they had two examples of the same whale killing two different trainers.

6. Counterargument Opinions of Animal Activists and OSHA bias
Trainer inexperience, error, or accidents
Whales once released can’t survive in the wild
Keiko died in the wild (5 yrs)
Twisted facts and relied on inexperienced former trainers

7. Effect Declining ticket sales to Sea World
Opens controversy about captivity and release
End to Sea World captivity program
Zoo reforms/updates
New safety policies at Sea World
Tillikum's death

8. Sources/Access
Cowperthwaite, Gabriela. Blackfish. Magnolia Pictures, CNN Films. 19, July, 2013.
Pappas, Stephanie. How Tilikum the Orca Changed the Conversation About Animals in Captivity. LiveScience.com. 7, Jan, 2017.
Why “Blackfish” is Propaganda, not a Documentary. Sea World parks and entertainment Inc
O’Hara, Helen. Sea World vs Blackfish. The Telegraph. 6. Jan, 2017.
that-saved-the-whales/
Blackfish Synopsis. Blackfishmovie.com, Dogwoof