Distrustful as I am of all filmmakers' attempts to visualize a full-length book (and Simon's account of Mr. Macdonald didn't help!), I had to give this movie a square ten. Not only does it remain as truthful as possible to the original story (a feat in itself, considering the settings and the plot), it also features some of the most breathtaking scenes I've ever seen on a wide screen.
It has been debated whether the appearance of Joe and Simon as narrators ruins the suspense somewhat, but my personal opinion is that it only adds to the whole experience - their remarks are witty on some occasions, bloodcurdling on others, and what better way of binding the public to the characters than having them recount a part of the story in person?
Filmed in the authentic settings, with excellent camera work and a quite innovative approach to documentary movie-making, "Touching the Void" will have you transfixed for the entire 106 minutes of its length, climbers and non-climbers alike.
It has been debated whether the appearance of Joe and Simon as narrators ruins the suspense somewhat, but my personal opinion is that it only adds to the whole experience - their remarks are witty on some occasions, bloodcurdling on others, and what better way of binding the public to the characters than having them recount a part of the story in person?
Filmed in the authentic settings, with excellent camera work and a quite innovative approach to documentary movie-making, "Touching the Void" will have you transfixed for the entire 106 minutes of its length, climbers and non-climbers alike.