Encounters at the End of the World documents Herzog’s trip to the South Pole. The film seemed to be organized chronologically, as he first does safety training then visits the different scientific camps. The only connecting theme is that of nihilism.
I’m not too familiar with Werner Herzog, having only seen a handful of his films, so I am not sure how this theme is treated in his other works. But in Encounters at the End of the World, it made for an interesting, yet complementary, contrast to the environment. Some of the images he gives us, mostly those filmed underwater, are greatly beautiful, nigh unto inspiring. It is images like these that Alma would give Korihor as a sign. However, Herzog gives a nihilistic interpretation, saying that nature will eventually eradicate mankind, just like it did to the dinosaurs. So, this film creates an interesting dichotomy. But, on the other hand, some of the images illustrate this pessimistic thought. Seeing the vast icelands to continue for miles creates in one a feeling of insignificance. You can easily understand how someone can believe that nature will wipe us out.
I felt that Herzog was fair in how he presented his point of view. Even at the beginning of the film, he did not want to make another film about penguins. (Though, when he does use penguins, he perfectly uses them to show the futility of life.) He is interested in other things, such as why monkeys do not ride goats; he’s looking to answer greater questions.
I liked that he included interviews with some of the people who were there (even if he just paraphrased them through narration). He could have easily just focused on the environment and the scientists who are studying it. But he included pieces of “professional dreamers.” It was interesting to see what kind of people were attracted to Antarctica. It added a little something to counteract his nihilism.
Glad you enjoyed the penguin moments. It's one of my favorite from all his films and I think of it every time I see a penguin in any context. Do you think he was intentionally challenging his own nihilistic worldview here?
ReplyDeleteNice thoughts. I also found it interesting that the people Herzog finds in Antarctica are vibrant and full of life. It does add a nice contrast to the nihilistic tones throughout the film. Though at times he tended to discount some of his subject's passion and enthusiasms, perhaps growing tired of their individuality. I do like how you pointed out the dichotomy of themes and images, it really made the film nicely layered.
ReplyDeleteI really liked your thoughts on the nihilism, and I think the sequence where they find the frozen sturgeon supplements your statement. That is to say, Herzog's nihilism is evident because it seems like when all things are said and done, according to Herzog, we'll be remembered by what we left behind: a frozen sturgeon.
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