Review of Encounters at the End of the World (2007) by Ryan C — 02 Feb 2009

I was so unfortunate not to see 'Encounters at the End of the World' in theaters. It makes a huge difference, trust me. The good thing about the time we live in is the technology; we can now watch movies on 16:9 TVs in the correct aspect ratios, and see the films how the directors intended them to be seen. (No more 'This picture has been modified to fit your screen' warnings before the movie starts.).

But there's a still a vast difference between a 42 inch screen and a 42 foot screen. It's harder to get immersed in a movie like this on a 42 inch TV. I could only imagine how audiences felt viewing this in theaters.

Director Werner Herzog ('Grizzly Man', 'Little Dieter Needs to Fly', and the non-documentary 'Rescue Dawn') takes us into a world not seen by many. It's a world that can't really be imagined by many.

Consider the noises the sea lions make. Who would have thought that they make sounds reminiscent to Pink Floyd? Herzog uses the noises over the closing credits, so imagine, if you will, what it felt like to sit in a dark theater listening to these sea lions communicate to one another. It was wonderful to listen in surround sound, and I bet it was even more beautiful in theaters.

Let me stop whining now about missing this in theaters, and instead focus on the film.

'Encounters' is a wonderful journey. It's a journey that everyone should go on. But I think the title is misleading. It shouldn't be 'the end of the world', but rather, the beginning of the world. A lot of the scientists argue that life underneath Antarctica is much like life that inhabited the world before we emerged from the waters. Even the people we meet there are beginning a new life here.

It's strange to think of Antarctica as a place where people live and work. With all the talk of Global Warming, it's scary to imagine how different this world will be if all (or most) of Antarctica melts. Some mention that possibility in 'Encounters', but Herzog directs the attention away from Global Warming. He's not taking a stance against it, per se. Instead, Herzog is introducing us to a beautiful and alien place.

The only thing I don't like about Herzog's documentaries is when he 'steers' people into the direction he wants them to go. He offers his opinions often ('I believe ...'), and sometimes I think it'd be better if he didn't. Especially in 'Encounters'. Here's a documentary that doesn't need narration; its majestic beauty offers plenty.

Herzog also uses a lot of long takes. When it's a long take of the ice or the landscape it's amazing. When it's a long take of an awkward looking person, it's uncomfortable. Sometimes you can tell when the people Herzog is shooting look uncomfortable. As if they're thinking, 'Can I move now?' 'How about now?'.

It's to be expected from Herzog, and, as I've said, the imagery is the reason to watch 'Encounters'.

Antarctica is one of the last uncharted locations on earth. Some may say it should stay that way. At least Herzog takes us there.