Arts

Film: Touching the Void

Two problems with Touching the Void.

First, you have to get me to see it. (Remember, this film should hit the same target market as Vertical Limit a couple of years back, and that crowd won't want to be burned by a crap film again.)

Second, you have to get me to see the right film. (Releasing the film at the same time as Cold Mountain is bound to cause some confusion. Arguably each film would do better with the other's title.)

But those points aside, this was a fascinating film. Very direct. Very engaging. There are no surprises; the film's narrated by the climbers so you know they survive. Without the possibility of fatalities, the film could have lost all its mystery but somehow it keeps going.

In a couple of places I came close to getting bored (enough already: get off the mountain!) and it was strange hearing someone who describes himself as a "non-believer" use so many metaphors for God.

These are minor quibbles. I came away with a sense of awe at the human body's ability to survive against the odds, and on a cold and damp day that's enough.