Review of Encounters at the End of the World (2007) by Tim M — 24 Dec 2016

At one point during 'Encounters at the End of the World', a scientist looks into the camera and with frost covering his facial hair and says, "my face is frozen." He then smiles an infectious smile. You get the feeling that the South Pole is his happy place. Documentarian Werner Herzog encapsulates many individuals, mostly scientists who live or or visiting the Antarctic and just about every one is joyous. The viewer gets the impression that each one is having the time of their lives. So much so that one who knows in his heart that he has concluded his work and must leave is sad. As we attempt to transform ourselves into the minds of the subjects Herzog films we understand them. Despite he fact that most of us watching could never do what these people are doing we all want to find the happiness each has, even if just for a second. We all want to be transformed into a world where we can feel like we are making a difference. Who wouldn't want to be around so much positive energy? Herzog lightly guides us by asking questions but the thoughts we generate are unique. The visuals must be seen to be believed. One backdrop looks as though it could be a setting for the original moon landing.

Herzog and our journey begins on a plane in Europe. He takes us from the beginning in order to make us a part of the tale. He's a master and doesn't get in the way of the portrait he paints. Instead he marvels right along with us. He's a man that intensely enjoys he does and we are better off for having him. And we're better off for watching this.