Critique: The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition is an extraordinary documentary; it has visual beauty and storytelling power. Director George Butler has fashioned a tremendously engaging historical adventure. Butler vividly weaves old tapes and photographs of the expedition with modern footage of the beautiful region. The film has a terrific narrative. Indeed, the story is told brilliantly, and the viewer is compelled throughout the film. Additionally, the narrative is eloquently spoken by Liam Neeson. Throughout the story the audience hears historians and relatives of the men who participated in the expedition. The speakers are knowledgeable, intelligent and articulate.
The Endurance delivers an intimate depiction of the crew of the expedition. The filmmakers care about the people involved in their story, and are careful to include facts that vivify the protagonists. There are several warm stories of the relationships between the men and the dogs on the expedition. The dogs meet a tragic end, but their lives highlight the character of the men, and they demonstrate the pleasure animals spread to humanity. The difficult experiences the men endure are heartfelt because the film is personal and sensitive. The documentary does not depict the actual event of the expedition; although it uses some old footage of the expedition, its main purpose is to describe the event. Thus, it is more difficult for the filmmakers to make the story emotional. Yet, the film is often heartfelt through accomplished filmmaking.
The Endurance is a well crafted documentary. It is riveting, and contains potent storytelling. It is a personal film, and it shines light on the crew it depicts. I highly recommend The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition, a powerful documentary.
review by supernothingman |
