Financed by a grant from the National Science Foundation, acclaimed German filmmaker Werner Herzog returns to the documentary form with this absorbing but bleak look at life in Antarctica, When Herzog arrives at the U.S.-run McMurdo Station—which houses well over 1,000 people during the spring and summer months—instead of pristine wilderness, he finds what looks to him like “an ugly mining town filled with construction sites.” Herzog seems to agree with a forklift operator who describes Antarctica as “a strange and amazing place filled with professional dreamers,” while also appearing to be genuinely upset over the apparent fact that the residents prefer bowling alleys and yoga classes to contemplating Mother Nature's majesties. Of course, Herzog never hesitates to offer his own views (he's hardly the poster boy for documentary objectivity), but even if some of his environmental pronouncements are questionable, the film is still genuinely entertaining and enlightening because the director manages to capture a number of great moments with his colorful interview subjects—members of the hardiest community on Earth. Recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Werner Herzog, producer Henry Kaiser, and cinematographer Peter Zeitlinger, an extended interview with Herzog by filmmaker Jonathan Demme (67 min.), the production featurettes “Under the Ice” (36 min.), “Dive Locker Interview” (18 min.), “South Pole Exorcism” (12 min.), “Over the Ice” (11 min.), and “Seals & Men” (3 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a characteristically interesting Herzog doc.] (E. Hulse)
Encounters at the End of the World
THINKFilm, 101 min., G, DVD: $27.99, Blu-ray: $35.99, Nov. 18 Volume 23, Issue 5
Encounters at the End of the World
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