Encounters at the End of the World

Not without great images, some great voiceover work, ideas, and comedy, Werner Herzog's film where he travels to Antarctica is somewhat underwhelming. Beginning with an underwater shot of breathtaking quality, Herzog tells us that such images inspired him to make the film. He goes on to document the scientists who live at a compound in Antarctica. All are quirky and some are entertaining. These people seem to have made a greater effect on Herzog than most else in the film. He lingers on them for too much time, I think, and that pulls the films quality down. For, although Herzog is experiencing Antarctica first-hand, and he thus finds lesser subjects more interesting, we aren't in his position, and I wanted more of the imagery that was at the beginning of the film. It's also spaced out throughout the duration of the film, but its not enough for the promise that Herzog gives. There's some greatness here; especially concerning a suicidal penguin, and the film as a whole is worth seeing, but I feel as if on some level it's a bit of a failure. It's scope is too narrow. I admire Herzog's CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS a whole lot more because it lingers on the images rather than dubiously entertaining or quirky scientists. Will I remember the scientists a month from now, and how one told a lot of funny jokes at Antarctica bars and another liked to watch sci-fi films? Or will I really remember the underwater stalagmite-esque eeriness? This is what I think Herzog neglected. Sure, people are interesting, but the film is about the End of the World (Antarctica) and also, in a way, a realization of eventual death. But you can question anyone about this anywhere and discover this simplicity. If you're going to Antarctica, you better have something real to show us.
Encounters at the End of the World: ★★1/2