All who are enthralled by the beauty and overwhelming power of mountains are in for a treat with the new film, Mountain (2018, 74 minutes), a documentary artfully directed by Jennifer Peedom and eloquently narrated by Willem Dafoe. The aerial cinematography of Renan Ozturk and other high altitude cinematographers, the writing of Robert Macfarlane and musical collaboration with the Australian Chamber Orchestra all contribute to the creation of this stunning film.
Mountain reveals the challenges of mountain summits and those drawn to reach them. While I know that I am the farthest from a mountain climber as one can be, I am fascinated by those who seek to climb above the clouds. I love this film.
It opens with a sole climber heading straight up, bouldering actually (without ropes), and an apt quote: “Those who dance are considered mad by those who cannot hear the music.”
What to many appear as acts of insanity draw the viewer in. This climber is brave beyond description, the beauty is awe-inspiring and the stunning cinematography (in this opening shot, I suspect drone videography) takes your breath away.
The filmmaker not only focuses on the climbers’ ascents and the heights of the various mountains and peaks around the world. We also see close-up shots of hands reaching to grip seemingly flat rock surfaces, chunks of ice or impenetrable stone, feet searching for footholds and potential perilous drops.
Peedom notes, “There’s a line in the film: ‘To those who are enthralled by mountains, their wonder is beyond all dispute. To those who are not, their allure is a kind of madness.’ I was really interested in exploring the space between those two points of view and how significantly our feelings towards mountains have changed in such a relatively short period of time.” Mountain explores ancient fear and awe, then curiosity, then audacious risk-taking and finally the commercialization of these places that still induce awe.
Three centuries previous, mountains were viewed as homes of gods or monsters. They were revered or feared but never entered. As people became clustered in cities, though, nature began to be a draw. The beauty and challenge of the outdoors brought people to mountains and valleys, into the open air. Early climbers didn’t attain the heights or have the gear utilized today. But they relished in the pleasure and the risks of hiking and climbing in unknown and challenging terrain. Film footage and vintage photography of these early adventurers is a delight to see.
The ultimate draw of Mt. Everest and the urge to conquer it made mountain climbing an obsession. Contrasting the early successes at Everest, though mired by deaths from time to time, more often than not of the sherpas - to the “mountain mania” of today where thousands annually snake up the mountain almost in a crowd - gives one pause. What do the mountains mean under these kinds of circumstances?
We also see bike base jumpers, tight rope walkers, skydivers, wing suit flyers, motorcyclists riding thin crests of ridges, daredevil skiers who intentionally ski in front of avalanches.... and all kinds of accidents. Again, in contrast to these somewhat solo adventurers, there is fast-paced footage of crowded roads, parking lots, lines, ski lifts and slopes filled with countless skiers snaking their way down the mountain.
Mountain displays the joy, fear and rush experienced by these athletes who take on heights in one way or another. They are humbled by the challenges. As we watch, we realize how insignificant we are in contrast to nature that took millennia to be created and will be here long after we are all gone. Watching this adventurous film also humbles us. We not only get to vicariously experience the daring stunts that most likely we would never even consider attempting; we also get an up-close view of parts of this wondrous world that we will never get to see in person.
I have to point out all the incredible locations: Antarctica, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, France, Greenland, Iceland, India, Italy, Japan, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, South Africa, Switzerland, Tibet and the USA. The use of drone videography as well as Go-Pro cameras, helicopter shots and traditional camera work let us join these athletes around the world.
Check out this trailer for a hint of the exquisite beauty of this film. https://youtu.be/lxtWMOAHoiI Mountain screens in Albuquerque beginning Thursday, June 15 at the UA High Ridge Theater, 12921 Indian School NE. Photos courtesy of Greenwich Entertainment.
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