Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Nov 23, 2004 23:02:30 GMT -6
Touching the Void on PBS...
I didn't think much of the previews of "Touching the Void", as I thought it another mountain climbing story. But I just saw this for the second time, and it is simply a great personal survival account...one of the best I have ever seen/read.
The account of "Joe", (no relation), is moving and I could not ever imagine going thru something like that. The crevasse part, in where he decides to dwelve further into the darkness, not knowing if that was the correct decision and the floor creaking and breaking away was quite a frightening scene to follow along.
With a broken leg, and left for dead, he still managed to get back to base camp...not aware if his team mates were still there or not.
I attempt to understand what he, and others like Shackelton, the Apollo 13 crew or the kid who had to cut off his arm - (also in a climbing accident), had to go thru....but It's beyond my comprehension. The human spirit longs to hang on and overcome.
The actors who portrayed the climbers were fantastic, as they made you believe that they were the actual subjects of the story that one was watching. The facial expressions, turmoil and utter physical distress that was portrayed with great great believability and conviction.
I offer homage to all the other explorers who did not make it, but suffered thru unimagined obstacles and suffering...privately and most often...alone.
