There are myriad other films, some produced by groups like PETA and ASPCA, whose intention is solely to inspire sympathy by flashing superfluous images before the viewer of mistreated animals. Blackfish could have gone this route, it certainly would have been easy for the filmmakers; however, they opted for a sensible and logical factual structure to support their message. Gabriela Cowperthwaite, the film's director, managed to give viewers like me – viewers who value facts over feelings – an excellent and well-researched look at the physical and mental treatment of these captured animals. The filmmakers provided enough evidence to support their claims, which asked the viewer to question the killer whale's aggressive behavior in captivity and then allowed them to make their own judgments based on the facts.