From Deseret News archives:
'Encounters' is fascinating
In "Encounters at the End of the World," eccentric German filmmaker Werner Herzog keeps his promise not to make "another penguin movie."
Of course, that doesn't mean that his latest, a documentary feature about Antarctic life and research, is completely penguin-free. But when the critters do show up, they're not as cute and fuzzy as, say, the ones in the Oscar-winning "March of the Penguins."
(As usual, Herzog's animal subjects here appear to be much, much more cranky and unfriendly. Sort of like the filmmaker himself.)
And as for the rest of the movie, it's very much in keeping with the tone and spirit of his previous nonfiction films, including the hotly debated 2005 documentary "Grizzly Man."
"Encounters" is peculiar but is also very fascinating, especially seeing how it broaches deep subjects such as man's relationship with nature. The movie takes Herzog to various locations in the South Pole, including its main community, McMurdo Research Station.
But not all of his focus is on humans. Again, there's an odd penguin segment, and other sequences take Herzog and cinematographer Peter Zeitlinger to underwater caverns that almost look like extraterrestrial landscapes.
At times Herzog does get a little carried away with all the discussions of possible penguin insanity and similar, terrible animal behavior. And his disdain for modern-day amenities like aerobics studios and bowling alleys becomes painfully clear by the time he delivers his umpteenth diatribe about such things.
However, there's much more good here than there is bad. The underwater sequences are breathtaking and ethereal. (They're accompanied by a subdued but appropriate soundtrack that features Tibetan chanting alongside original compositions from avant-garde musicians Henry Kaiser and David Lindley.)
"Encounters at the End of the World" is rated G, but does feature some brief scenes of animal violence, as well as some mildly suggestive references. Running time: 95 minutes.
E-mail: jeff@desnews.com
Comments
- Haws playing like a veteran 12:36 a.m.
- Hot Rod behind mic for Lakers 12:35 a.m.
- Jazz go up against 'the best' 12:33 a.m.
- Sports on the air 12:26 a.m.
- Bobcats stun high-flying Nuggets 12:23 a.m.
- Utes finally get to host Michigan 12:18 a.m.
- Flash apologize, offer refund 12:12 a.m.
- Editorial: Leave the economy alone 12:12 a.m.
- Dishonest global warming scientists 12:12 a.m.
- Tensions in Ceuta 12:12 a.m.
- BYU football: Bronco weighs in on Hall
- Snow brings big chill
- Yet again, we learn BCS is a big joke
- Andersen apologizes for Jordan hoax
- Cougars in better mood about bowl
- Ranking the bowl games
- Williams' late jumper tops Spurs
- $2M error could mean layoffs
- Expert calls Mitchell delusional
- Witness: Mitchell stalked victims
- Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
278 - Letters: Global warming a lie
214 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
205 - BYU football: Bronco weighs in on Hall
165 - Cougars going back to Vegas
148 - Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
143 - George lost in rivalry hatefest
119 - Andersen apologizes for Jordan hoax
110 - Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony
99 - Revive full food tax?
94
If all three of the Utahns still competing on "So You Think You Can...
I haven't yet played "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2," and honestly I...
It will be good to hear "real play by play or even as analyst with Joel...
i hope hot rod gets confused while doing the play by play and thinks he's...
The BCS bowl team match-ups aren't what you think. First, yes the top two...
Even Ed Gein was found competant to stand trial.
So Bronco's okay with the churches "standard bearers" spewing hatred. Wierd....
By putting TCU & Boise together that means that the other 3 BCS games will...
Ticky... Tacky...
The DNews requests the lists from the region coaches. Ask your coaches why...
This story brings back memories of an Ogden base ball team, who promiced if a...
GO UTES!!!




You can be the first to comment on this story.