The thrilling, dangerous and emotionally charged tale of a mountain expedition gone awry is the story at the center of "Everest". Yet, why does it feel so thin, distant and - dare I say - chilly?
Director Baltasar Kormákur (of the loony but fun "2 Guns") has crafted a beautiful and visually enthralling movie, which should be in service of a much stronger screenplay. While the film is about perilous events that took place on Mt. Everest, this isn't a disaster flick (though echoes of Roland Emmerich ring throughout). There is a pedestrian attempt at human drama intermingled in the narrative. In the first hour, which lags considerably, screenwriters William Nicholson and Simon Beaufoy introduce us to the characters that set out to climb Mt. Everest. No one is fully realized or fleshed out and they are kept at an arms length from us during the film. They are simply pawns in Mt. Everest's game.
Leading the pack is Rob (Jason Clarke). He is a reputable guide, who charges quite a bit - $65,000, to be specific - to guide you through Mt. Everest. He leaves his pregnant wife, Jan (Keira Knightley), home as he sets out on his expedition. Along for the ride are Beck (Josh Brolin), Scott (Jake Gyllenhaal), Jon (Michael Kelly), Doug (John Hawkes) and Guy (Sam Worthington). Helen (Emily Watson) anchors base camp, doing her best to keep in touch with the crew and their spouses back home.
The first hour of "Everest" is purely expository, trying to quickly introduce us to everyone going on the expedition. The problem is nothing really sticks and we are forced to constantly backtrack and remember who is who. The screenplay introduces them in bullet-point fashion, despite taking its time setting up the story.
Knightley and Robin Wright - who plays Peach, the wife of Brolin's character - are given so little to do in this movie. They are assigned the wife archetype, waiting by the phone to get word on their husband's fate. No doubt they are the driving force and determination in their husband's lives but the film portrays more as types. These actresses have spent many years shaping their careers and earning more substantial roles.
The storm hits in hour two of the film, which strangely never heightens the stakes. Going into Rob's trek, everyone assumes the risks and danger that lie ahead, and when it comes along it all feels expected. Luckily, it's all breathtakingly shot, which helps "Everest" to be a more involving film from a technical standpoint. Kormákur and cinematographer Salvatore Totino use enough high-flying camera work to put those leery of heights on edge. They make Mt. Everest in the sunlight look very picturesque.
If "Everest" could have been as emotionally resonant as it is visually stunning, it could have been something great.
| Movie title | Everest |
|---|---|
| Release year | 2015 |
| MPAA Rating | PG-13 |
| Our rating | |
| Summary | If "Everest" could have been as emotionally resonant as it is visually stunning, it could have been something great. |
