Everest (2015)

Everest is one of the most ironic places on earth currently because it is frozen desolation but at the same time, there are traffic jams and a litter problem. If that wasn't ironic enough, Mount Everest also serves as a resting place for the deceased. This kind of environment was just starting to take shape around 1996 and is portrayed in this film. Halfway into the story, I realized that I had seen a portrayal of this true story before by way of the 90's TV movie, "Into Thin Air: Death on Everest". The sense of realism is better when watching "Everest" though. The film will dramatically affect many moviegoers and is quite appealing to those who favor the visual side of moviemaking but that is not to say that the story was sacrificed. The acting is noteworthy and the characters are diverse enough.

Thanks to "Everest", we get to see Nepal pre-2015 earthquake in this movie. The movie was made before the disaster. Besides Rob, my favorite character is Doug because of his back-story. The school children’s' flag was a highlight in this show for me. Another great scene that works because of contrast and cinematography is when everyone wakes up in Camp IV to a peaceful atmosphere. It is different from the hallowing wind in the scene previous. I also like how the shot begins almost like a POV shot. The movie's realism was enough to satisfy me because my desire from the start was to believe the extreme temperatures and isolation of the climbing scenes. Historical accuracy is also important for me when portraying a true event. The recreation of the photo of the Adventure Consultants at base camp was well done and the line, "Sleep well, my sweetheart. Please don't worry too much" was included in the movie. While much of the film was not shot on Everest but rather on soundstages and on other mountains, the actors and crew did film at the actual base camp. Second unit crews also did some filming further up Everest at Camp II.

As mentioned, the cast members did their jobs either adequately or superbly. I didn't even recognize some actors in "Everest". Jason Clarke's final scenes were believable and Jake Gyllenhaal portrayed a very likeable Scott Fischer. I didn't recognize Sam Worthington as Guy until he took of his hat towards the end of the show and I didn't recognize Robin Wright at all throughout the movie. I think the best performance in "Everest" goes to Keira Knightley as Jan during the climax. As some final notes, Josh Brolin's makeup also deserves to be mentioned and I recognized the name of co-writer Simon Beaufoy. I am familiar with some of his other films.

To see this film in 3D IMAX was a treat but not a must. I think it will entertain and touch the hearts of the audience in any big screen medium. Coincidentally, IMAX was filming on Mount Everest in 1996 and documented Beck Weathers' part of the story for their documentary. I was desirous to believe the story being told and that was sufficiently achieved. Even though I knew this story already, I was entertained by this re-imagining. The acting helped with that. It pains me to think that many of the bodies of those who die on Everest remain there, including those who died in 1996. This fact is mentioned at the close of the film and that adds to the power of this movie.

4 Stars out of 5