“Human beings aren’t meant to function at the cruising altitude of a 747.” Everest, directed by Baltasar Kormákur, is a spectacle that must be seen on the big screen to truly grasp the scope of the film.
With a star studded cast, Everest features the trek of New Zealand expedition leader Rob Hall (Jason Clarke) and his crew along with many other groups to the peak of the mountain in the spring of 1996 all culminating to May 10, 1996, which until the recent Nepal earthquakes earlier this year was known as the deadliest day in Everest history.
The movies visuals are nothing short of amazing.
The wide shots of the mountain and the close and personal shots make you feel the magnitude of the size of Everest.The desolate mountain contrasts to the cities on the lower altitudes. I felt so much warmer coming out of the theater.
Though what really anchors this movie down are the characters. There are too many characters that are introduced and you don’t really figure out whom is important to pay attention to until they get onto the mountain. However, the performances given were fantastic, heartfelt and genuine.
The only gripe I have with the film however, is pacing. The movie starts pretty rapid fire and tries to keep the audience with sense of time with dates and places, though there are months at a time that are skipped without any warning and you’re left wondering what exactly is happening.
The movie settles in once they get to base camp and actually climb the mountain. This is where the movie really shines in terms of tension and breadth.
Though after the climax of the film, it starts to drag its way to the end.
There are genuine, sad and heartfelt scenes in this time. Though it just seems jarringly slow after the ride to the top of Everest.
Everest is a great time. See it in theaters while it’s still in IMAX and 3D. The visuals and emotion are what make Everest worthwhile.
Just understand that Everest always has the last word.
Leave a Reply