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| Movie Review: Encounters at the End of the World Alternate Title: Veni, Vidi, Vanish
Story: Writer, director and
narratorWerner Herzog is a unique film maker. His vision
tends towards obscure individuals, quirky lifestyles and impossible
dreamers. What's not to like? He has received deserved awards and at
65 years of age seems unstoppable.
His latest venture finds him at the end of
the world (that is both a literal and figurative title). He is
invited by the Discovery Channel and National
Science Foundation to research material for a film at McMurdo
Research Station. Herzog vows not to make another film about
'fluffy penguins' and I guarantee you that this film is as far from
Happy Feet as you can get.
The underwater and cave scenes filmed by director
of photography, Peter Zeitlinger, are breathtaking.
The accompanying music set the perfect stage for an otherworldly cinematic
experience.
Through Herzog, we meet a collection of fascinating
people who have decided to do their research at the most formidable
place in the world. Some are philosophical, some melancholy and some
simply downright odd. We encounter geologists, volcanologists, divers,
cooks, drivers, biologists and my favorite was the linguist was proclaims
that yes, it is odd for a linguist to be living in a place in the world,
where there are no languages. The common thread throughout all of the
interviews is, everyone, without preaching, proclaims that the 'end
of the world' is a sure thing due to climate change. Yet, it is not
a depressing film. Really - I swear.
I was fortunate to travel to Antarctica in 2005.
It was the trip of a lifetime. For some of my photos from that trip,
check out:
http://www.judithwolfe.com/ANTARCTICA1.html http://www.judithwolfe.com/ANTARCTICA2.html For the trailer go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ind05ZVOEec
Acting: There is no acting in a documentary.
Predilection: I like Herzog's film and like to see
films about Antarctica
Critters: Jellyfish, clams, creepy crawly unidentifiable
bottom dwellers, Weddell seals, Adelie Penguins (the most heartbreaking
of scenes) and a frozen sturgeon. There is also some file footage of
Shackleton's dogs.
Food: An ice creamy product from a machine called
Frosty Boy and uneaten popcorn.
Sex Spectrum: It is to cold for sex in Antarctica.
Blatant Product Placement: Not applicable in a documentary.
Soundtrack: The music by Henry Kaiser
and David Lindley was perfect.
Opening Titles: I cannot remember any titles at the
beginning but I was touched by the fact that the film was dedicated
to Roger Ebert (whose long run on TV was ended by Disney
yesterday).Visual Art: Astonishing imagery.
Theater Audience: Two young men and us. My friend
wanted to know if I could guess when the world might end because there
were things she needed to do first and wanted to spend all of her money.
Weather: Baby it's cold outside.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 3
Squirm Scale: I get claustrophobic and the diving
scenes were squirmy for me.
Drift Factor: I did not drift at all.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: I doubt it.
Big Screen or Rental: If you can find this on a big
screen it would be the way to go.
Length: 100 minutes
LOBO HOWLS: 7.5
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