Encounters at the End of the World (2007)

I had to join Herzog in going off the beaten track here. EATEOTW’s limited release forced me to give up on my usual cine-diet of Prince Charles, BFI and Cineworld and venture to Odeon Covent Garden. I have no qualms, the price (£10.50) is exorbitant (of course), especially for a 15:00 showing but at least the digital quality is superb and the seating is comfortable, despite the odd shape of the auditorium.

That quality is very much appreciated too; Herzog’s documentary is stunning, beautiful landscapes pan effortlessly across the screen. Their allure is emphasized by the film’s initial grainy scenes (shot in 4:3) that provide a perfect juxtaposition to what is to come. These scenes were filmed by Henry Kaiser, Herzog’s friend and colleague (producer and composer of the film), a professional diver/amateur cinematographer and the source of Herzog’s initial interest in Antarctica.

Herzog’s documentary style has shifted ever so slightly, the influence of Errol Morris is more apparent than ever. Here he focuses more upon the eccentric people that the landscape attracts rather than the locations themselves (isn’t Herzog therefore also one of these?). Neutrinos, hippies, survivalists, a contortionist, a supposed member of Atzec royalty and an ex-banker are all on display. I say display because Herzog has approached his subject with outlandish candor, a modern day freak-show, again well worth the price of admission. It’s incredibly funny stuff.

In one way this is the most personal of all his documentary films. Herzog judges the cultural niceties that according to him have no place in such extreme locations. Listing yoga classes and bowling alleys as examples, these are over-shadowed still by his disdain for Morgan’s BFFs, the “fluffy penguins”. At the beginning of the film they are dismissed, there is no place for them in his documentary we are told. Only later they will feature, their march this time is towards imminent death as he swaps the adjective “fluffy” for “deranged”. Juxtaposing audience members can audibly be heard crying and laughing at his obscure presentation of this extremely harsh reality.

Original music has been provided by Kaiser and David Lindley. The isolated violin pieces match perfectly with the location, especially when presented over raw documented footage of early adventures with Shackleton and Scott. Truly inspiring.