Touching the Void

Kevin Macdonald, UK, 2003, 106 minutes

In 1985, two intrepid climbers assailed an unconquered peak in the Peruvian Andes. An impressive feat alone, but the subsequent events are legendary. As Britons Simon Yates and Joe Simpson clambered down the mountain, the ice beneath their feet subsided. Joe fell and damaged his leg irremediably. Plans to lower the wounded man down the steep face went awry, leaving Joe in a desolate position; suspended beneath an overhang. As darkness fell and communication remained impossible, Simon decided to cut his partner loose. Joe survived the fall, and this remarkable film re-enacts their dramatic story.

A worthy recipient of the Best British Film BAFTA, this is a cinematic treat. The director shot a great deal of footage on location to illustrate the key points of this tale, and it helps tremendously. Though the technical aspects of mountaineering are discussed, this movie is not esoteric in nature, and the detailed motions are explained perfectly. The quality of the production shines through leaving a huge emotional impact, as well as presenting some important moral questions. The cinematography is astounding; images such as Joe plummeting into a crevasse are incredible and his ensuing, determined descent is miraculous.

By intercutting spectacular snow-capped footage with engrossing interview clips, Macdonald has constructed an ideal framework within which to recount a part of mountaineering folklore. Even as the camera scales the 21,000 foot Siula Grande peak the mesmerizing beauty rarely overshadows the taut cinematic atmosphere. The film expertly conveys the increasing desperation of Joe’s predicament. His endurance results in one of the most engaging stories of survival ever filmed.

Review by Chay Williamson
Written for EUFS Programme Autumn 2004