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Touching the Void (2003)
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Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
12 December 2003 (UK) moreTagline:
The closer you are to death. The more you realize you are alive. morePlot:
The true story of two climbers and their perilous journey up the west face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes in 1985. full summary | add synopsisAwards:
5 wins & 7 nominations moreNewsDesk:
(2 articles)
'Vera Drake' Sweeps British Independent Film Awards (From Studio Briefing - Film News. 1 December 2004)
Oscar Documentary List Narrowed Down
(From Studio Briefing - Film News. 18 November 2004)
User Comments:
Egotism Meets Nature's Wrath moreCast
(Credited cast)| Brendan Mackey | ... | Joe Simpson | |
| Nicholas Aaron | ... | Simon Yates | |
| Richard Hawking | ... | Himself | |
| Joe Simpson | ... | Himself | |
| Simon Yates | ... | Himself | |
| Ollie Ryall | ... | Richard Hawking |
Additional Details
MPAA:
Rated R for language.Parents Guide:
View content advisory for parentsRuntime:
106 minCountry:
UKLanguage:
EnglishColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 moreSound Mix:
Dolby DigitalCertification:
Iceland:12 | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Germany:12 | Netherlands:MG6 | Singapore:NC-16 | Switzerland:7 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Vaud) | UK:15 | USA:RFun Stuff
Trivia:
Some of the long distance shots of Simon and Joe climbing the mountain are played not by the lead actors, but by body doubles, who were Simon Yates and Joe Simpson themselves. moreGoofs:
Anachronisms: Joe wears a model of Cebe glacier glasses that didn't enter production until 2001. moreQuotes:
Joe Simpson: I didn't put a knot into the end of the rope. If there was nothing down there, I would fall, and it would be quick. moreSoundtrack:
Brown Girl in the Ring moreFAQ
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Beautiful scenery and excellent cinematography highlight this true-life story of two young adventurers who, in 1985, attempt to be the first climbers to reach the top of imposing Siula Grande, in Peru. The two actual climbers, Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, narrate the story, while two stand-in actors re-enact the climbing.
A big part of the film is Joe's quest merely to survive, once he becomes separated from Simon. Toward this objective, he calls forth inner strength in the form of two mental processes: first, make a decision and then act on it; second, set small goals or targets. During his ordeal a part of him keeps pushing: "You have to do this, this, and this, if you're going to get there; come on, keep moving, keep moving; right, get up, and do it again".
In a docudrama like this, acting ability is not that important. What is important is the cinematography. The mountain scenery is spectacular. The camera also captures visual perspective, by backing away from the two climbers, or Joe alone in the second half, to reveal how small and insignificant they are against the towering mountain face, or lost within the vast expanse of a huge glacier, peppered with a maze of dangerous crevasses.
The story is certainly harrowing. And I admire how Joe kept going, in the face of such adversity. However, I must say that overall I was not impressed with Simpson or Yates, both of whom came across in the film and in the DVD special features as overly ambitious, opportunistic, and egotistical. Joe as much as admits it: "We didn't give a damn about anyone else or anything else, and we just wanted to climb the world ..." This kind of cavalier attitude is not uncommon among participants in extreme sports, many of whom participate less for the adventure than for the opportunity to set records and make money.
"Touching The Void" is a great story of survival set amid the majestic splendor of the mountains of Peru. The only thing that would have made the story even better is if the two actual climbers had not been so arrogant. Overconfidence, born of an inflated sense of self-importance, almost cost them their lives.