To the rational mind, mountain climbing inherently does not make sense. When one figures in the extreme danger, the effort involved and the training necessary to stand high upon a piece of rock only to come back down, it’s almost natural to view those who make a lifestyle out of this pursuit as a bit crazy. But what a view it is from the top, to say nothing of the journey involved.
“The Alps,” a new IMAX film that opened March 30 at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, won’t provide any answers to that illusive question of “why,” but the ride is certainly worth the price of admission.
“The Alps” was directed and produced by MacGillivray Freeman, the same team behind “Everest” and other notable IMAX-format movies. Yet while their earlier ode to mountain climbing was loaded with images still memorable to the viewer years later, the cinematography in their latest feature puts all previous efforts to shame; all the more impressive, then, that producer Greg MacGillivray admitted to his latest movie being “more dangerous than making ‘Everest.'” The many sweeping panoramas taken by helicopter ” not only of the mountains but of the surrounding Swiss villages ” play like an hourlong love letter to Switzerland. A country with this much spectacular natural beauty deserves nothing less than the IMAX treatment, and the onslaught of shot after jaw-dropping shot suggests the MacGillivray Freeman team knew exactly what it wanted.
Oh, yes, the story: John Harlin III, American climber and editor of The American Alpine Journal, attempts to climb the north face of the Eiger, known universally as the most dangerous climbing route in all of Europe. However, the back-story is that Harlin was raised in Switzerland by his father, a climbing enthusiast who died attempting this same route in 1966. The non-climber can certainly be forgiven for not understanding the need for Harlin III to risk his life and the welfare of his wife and daughter to make good on his father’s Eiger obsession. It’s not worth too much time worrying over, though, as Harlin III speaks and acts as if he is fully prepared for this, risks and all.
As stories in IMAX movies go, anything more substantial than paper-thin is a bonus. Too often, plots are incoherent, incomplete or, in the case of many historical pieces, conveniently ignorant, as they always take a back seat to the eye candy. Thankfully, “The Alps'” story is none of these.
We begin with several beautiful shots of Switzerland and the Alps, followed by a whirlwind history lesson on how such a spectacular mountain range formed, with help from a few exaggerated illustrations. Harlin, his family, his father’s tragedy and his new climbing partners are introduced (a Swiss husband-wife team), all while he’s training and finding time to teach his 9-year-old daughter ” and thus, the audience ” the culture, beauty and geology of Switzerland.
Brief sepia-toned history lessons on the first ascent of the Eiger are re-enacted (as is the graphic death of Harlin’s father, who fell when his rope snapped), the effects of global warming are touched upon and the climbing scenes put the audience right in the thick of the action. Viewers can’t help but appreciate the absolute concentration needed when standing on a vertical cliff or hanging only from one’s ice axes, or climbing in total darkness before first light.
The only blemish in an otherwise excellent film is the snicker-inducing soundtrack by Queen. Others may disagree, but the falsetto harmonies, fast tempos and overwrought guitar solos only seem to distract from the serene surroundings, and do no service to a sport in which the ultimate goal is attained through slow, arduous, methodical precision. But that’s a minor knock on this fine piece of work from some of the most talented large-format filmmakers in the business. Climbing enthusiasts, Euro-snobs, IMAX fans and curious observers will all come away feeling immensely satisfied, whether or not the urge to conquer a 13,000-foot mountain exists within them.
“The Alps” is currently showing at The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park. For showtimes, call (619) 238-1233, or visit www.-rhfleet.org.