The Botany of Desire
Synopsis
The program explores the natural history of four plants – the apple, the tulip, marijuana, and the potato – and the corresponding human desires– sweetness, beauty, intoxication and controlling nature – that link their destinies to our own.
This two-hour documentary begins in Michael Pollan’s garden, and roams the world, from the potato fields of Idaho and Peru to the apple orchards of New England, from a medical marijuana hot house to the tulip markets of Amsterdam.
Reviews
“… two hours of pure joy that contains all the requisites of must-see TV — it’s intriguing and fascinating, engaging, entertaining and educational. It’s brilliant.”
Elizabeth Jensen, The New York Times
“The two-hour documentary…follows the book’s conceit: It takes the plants’ point of view in exploring whether they control humans to ensure their survival.”
Click here to read a sampling of reviews.
News
The Botany of Desire wins award in Prague
October 25, 2012 — The Botany of Desire wins the Award of the Minister of Agriculture at the Life Sciences Film Festival in Prague.
The Botany of Desire Wins a 2011 CINE Golden Eagle Award
December 16, 2011 — Documentary based on Michael Pollan’s best-selling book wins in the Environment and Natural Science category.