The Curse of the Methuselah Tree (2009)

In the arid and inhospitable California desert stands a bristlecone pine tree with the mythical name of Methuselah.

At nearly 5,000 years of age, it had long been thought to be the oldest living organism on our planet.

Pre-dating the construction of the pyramids and the birth of Christ, the tree is a marvel of resilience and survival.

However, the most unique aspect of the documentary “The Curse of the Methuselah Tree” lies not only in its subject matter but also in its poetic narration.

The eloquent words of poet Roger McGough assume the role of the tree itself, providing a lyrical inner monologue that deepens our sense of empathy and engagement with the scope of events detailed in the film.

Furthermore, much of the tree’s history remained shrouded in mystery until the pioneering work of Edmund Schulman in the 1950s. Schulman, a tree aging expert, meticulously studied the endless layers of inner rings housed under Methuselah’s bark.

These rings, like ancient scrolls, convey stories of calamitous weather events, civilizations come and gone, and even nuclear tests that set the desert ablaze with furious plumes of fire and diseased smoke.

Diving into the past, we witness the emergence of ancient Indians in the region, followed by the arrival of white immigrants. Industry, too, played its part, choking the desert of its resources.

Yet, amidst these tumultuous events, Methuselah stood steadfast, its rings revealing tales of endurance and adaptation.

At the end, when seedlings from the bristlecone pine were examined in a lab, they defied expectations. Despite their twisted appearance, they showed no signs of deterioration.

In this captivating documentary, the Methuselah unfolds its secrets, inviting us to navigate the complexities of its ever-changing world.

As we peer into the heart of this ancient enigma, we seek more than just knowledge; we embark on a gripping exploration of life’s mysteries.