Eric Wolfram's Writing, Review of George Butler

The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition

Directed by George Butler

I Viewed The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition at the 44th San Francisco International Film Festival.

In an act of astonishing foresight, Sir Ernest Shackleton hired a gifted photographer and cinematographer to accompany his now legendary antarctic expedition of 1914 -- a stunning tale of survival. And only because this photographer, at one point, choose to dive into five feet of slush water to retrieve the negatives from the sinking ship, does this documentary offer a rare glimpse into the frosty past and this valuable vintage film footage of the 28 men who got trapped for two years in the most inhospitable terrain on earth -- Antarctic pack ice. For that authentic view alone, this documentary is worth watching. But the documentary also tells the story of the quintessential "captain, oh captain" -- Sir Shackleton himself. It is easy to see why 28 men would happily risk their lives on this expedition. More so, it gives hope to hear of the great paternal example of the leadership which Sir Shackleton demonstrated to his crew. It is heartwarming to learn to what length he went to save them. And the images, the film makers manage to bring you onto the fated adventure. So wrap up in a comforter and watch it. But I'll admit it, I'm an Antarctic expedition fan already -- so this film was right up my glacier.


Complete list of other wolfram writing | Notice of Copyright