Narrator: Liam Neeson
Director: George Butler
Producer: George Butler
Written by: Caroline Alexander, Joseph Dorman, based on the book by Caroline Alexander
Cinematography: Sandi Sissel
Music: Michael Small
U.S. Distributor: Cowboy Pictures
Since before the dawn of recorded history, man has had the urge to explore and conquer. From the world-shaping cross-Atlantic voyage of Columbus to the planet-changing giant leap of Neil Armstrong, the bold desire to travel to new places has been one of this species' most unquenchable thirsts. During the first two decades of the 20th century, long before escaping the confines of Earth was more than a wispy dream, the final frontier was Antarctica. With its forbidding terrain and bone-numbing cold, the planet's most remote continent became the last place explorers could go to find lasting fame. One of the best-known adventurers to challenge Antarctica during this era was Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose ambitious 1914-1916 attempted cross-continental journey has become the stuff of legends.
Shackleton, a veteran explorer who had previously visited Antarctica on several occasions (once almost becoming the first man to reach the South Pole), began planning the expedition in late 1913. To obtain a crew, he used the following advertisement: "Notice: Men wanted for hazardous journey. Bitter cold. Small wages. Long months of complete darkness. Constant danger. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success." From the thousands of respondents, Shackleton hand-picked a crew of 28 (including himself and several men he had previously worked with). The endeavor that followed, which is chronicled in George Butler's (Pumping Iron) new documentary, The Endurance, was equal parts disaster and tragedy, and illustrated why Shackleton has since come to be regarded as one of the greatest leaders ever to tread the paths of humanity.
Based on the book The Endurance by Caroline Alexander (which takes its name from the ship used, and lost, by Shackleton during the voyage), this motion picture follows the expedition from its departure from England on August 8, 1914 until that day nearly two years later when the weary, frostbitten survivors returned to civilization. Butler tells the story chronologically, using a number of visual elements, including still photographs and short film clips taken during the actual expedition (courtesy of photographer Frank Hurley, who was along to record events); newly shot, full color images of the locations where key events occurred; and interviews with descendants of many of those who participated in the endeavor. The narration includes numerous excerpts from letters and journal entries written by Shackleton and his men. The overall style is similar to the one popularized by Ken Burns in his acclaimed mini-series, "The Civil War".
For those who go into the movie knowing the fate of The Endurance and the 28 men aboard, this motion picture represents a fascinating inspection of what happened every step of the way. For those who see The Endurance without previous knowledge of anything about Shackleton or his trips to Antarctica, the movie represents a rousing adventure film filled with high suspense. Butler is careful not to give away the ending too early; the words spoken by Liam Neeson in the running voiceover narration (which Neeson recorded while recovering from his motorcycle accident) reveal things only when appropriate to the movie's internal chronology.
Unlike "talking head" documentaries, which stay on a airy, philosophical plane, The Endurance draws you into the story. The characters, especially Shackleton, are rich and the setting is vivid. The means by which Butler brings all of this together is perfect for the story. We do not have to sit through scene after scene of Polar Exploration scholars discussing Shackleton's importance to history (there is one of these individuals, but his comments are limited). Instead, Butler's new footage shows us the terrible beauty of Antarctica, the relatives' contributions further humanize the participants, and the stock images crystallize everything. The Endurance is many things, including a compelling adventure saga. However, above all, it is a testimony to the triumph of the human spirit, and a reminder that, under the right leadership, humankind is capable of virtually anything. In Shackleton's own words: "We have seen God and his splendors, heard the text that nature renders. We have reached the naked soul of man." You will leave the theater uplifted, exhilarated, and perhaps a little chilly.
[Note about distribution: The Endurance is being released theatrically in a limited number of U.S. cities during the Fall of 2001. The rollout schedule can be found at the website, www.endurancethemovie.com. In the event that the film will not be playing at a theater near you, a future home video release is planned, and The Endurance will be broadcast on television. In England, where the name of Shackleton is better known, it has already been shown on Channel 4.]
© 2001 James Berardinelli