Comments on: Encounters at the End of the World http://www.moviezeal.com/encounters-at-the-end-of-the-world/ The official podcast of MovieZeal.com, where film is always best discussed under the gentle influence of fine wine (as fine as $10 will get you). Each week Evan, Heather, and Luke pick a theme, discuss a theatrical release based on that theme, pop the cork and drink a wine that fits said theme, and finally subject one another to The Gauntlet, where forcing others to watch painful films nets you fabulous prizes. There is not anything else on the internets like it (literally). Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:47:00 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8 hourly 1 By: Abel Fairclough http://www.moviezeal.com/encounters-at-the-end-of-the-world/comment-page-1/#comment-411898 Abel Fairclough Fri, 27 May 2011 04:59:10 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=1382#comment-411898 Fantastic stuff! This is the type of information that should be shared around the internet. Shame on the search engines for not displaying this page at the top! Fantastic stuff! This is the type of information that should be shared around the internet. Shame on the search engines for not displaying this page at the top!

]]> By: Club Penguin http://www.moviezeal.com/encounters-at-the-end-of-the-world/comment-page-1/#comment-164543 Club Penguin Fri, 02 Apr 2010 17:33:31 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=1382#comment-164543 I've been playing Club Penguin for a while and it's wicked fun. I can't wait for the new mission from G to come out. I’ve been playing Club Penguin for a while and it’s wicked fun. I can’t wait for the new mission from G to come out.

]]> By: CP Cheats http://www.moviezeal.com/encounters-at-the-end-of-the-world/comment-page-1/#comment-128696 CP Cheats Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:47:29 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=1382#comment-128696 I don't know why but your blog won't let me comment on any of the older posts I don’t know why but your blog won’t let me comment on any of the older posts

]]> By: Evan Derrick http://www.moviezeal.com/encounters-at-the-end-of-the-world/comment-page-1/#comment-25645 Evan Derrick Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:22:42 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=1382#comment-25645 No kidding, K. What, there's like.... 2 other people in the world that go to video stores? No kidding, K. What, there’s like…. 2 other people in the world that go to video stores?

]]> By: K. Bowen http://www.moviezeal.com/encounters-at-the-end-of-the-world/comment-page-1/#comment-25549 K. Bowen Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:23:14 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=1382#comment-25549 I've been meaning to see this. I need to get to a video store. Yes, I am old school. I’ve been meaning to see this. I need to get to a video store. Yes, I am old school.

]]> By: Sam Juliano http://www.moviezeal.com/encounters-at-the-end-of-the-world/comment-page-1/#comment-15168 Sam Juliano Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:45:18 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=1382#comment-15168 Fair enough Evan, that's a good argument. I have seen practically all the most important docs, this year, but regrettably I have not yet seen BIGGER, FASTER STRONGER yet. But I look forward to it, and am aware that Luke was crazy for it. Fair enough Evan, that’s a good argument.

I have seen practically all the most important docs, this year, but regrettably I have not yet seen BIGGER, FASTER STRONGER yet. But I look forward to it, and am aware that Luke was crazy for it.

]]> By: Evan Derrick http://www.moviezeal.com/encounters-at-the-end-of-the-world/comment-page-1/#comment-15161 Evan Derrick Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:39:19 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=1382#comment-15161 Have you seen <i>Bigger, Faster, Stronger</i>, Sam? Luke gave it 5 stars, so I imagine it's probably in the running for one of the best docs of the year (and it's been a great year for docs). On the rating, I wanted to rate it higher, but when it comes down to it, <i>Encounters</i> didn't hit me in the emotional sweet spot. I enjoyed watching Herzog, as always, but it didn't resonate with me as much as his other work has. You can kind of tell that from the review; I discuss the film in depth and how Herzog's eccentricities make it a unique experience, but I'm not exactly handing out the praises left and right. Have you seen Bigger, Faster, Stronger, Sam? Luke gave it 5 stars, so I imagine it’s probably in the running for one of the best docs of the year (and it’s been a great year for docs).

On the rating, I wanted to rate it higher, but when it comes down to it, Encounters didn’t hit me in the emotional sweet spot. I enjoyed watching Herzog, as always, but it didn’t resonate with me as much as his other work has. You can kind of tell that from the review; I discuss the film in depth and how Herzog’s eccentricities make it a unique experience, but I’m not exactly handing out the praises left and right.

]]> By: Sam Juliano http://www.moviezeal.com/encounters-at-the-end-of-the-world/comment-page-1/#comment-15158 Sam Juliano Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:21:11 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=1382#comment-15158 "ENCOUNTERS blurs the live between documentarian and the documented." Terrific point, and one I do agree with. Overall, this is a most perceptive review that brings Herzog into focus, again using some his career markers as a back drop (similarly to what you did with the Coens film). Kudos on some superlative descriptive writing here. I must say however, that I rate it a bit higher (at least a four) and for me it is the third best documentary feature of the year behind a flat-footed first place tie (UP THE YANGTZE and MAN ON WIRE) “ENCOUNTERS blurs the live between documentarian and the documented.” Terrific point, and one I do agree with. Overall, this is a most perceptive review that brings Herzog into focus, again using some his career markers as a back drop (similarly to what you did with the Coens film). Kudos on some superlative descriptive writing here.

I must say however, that I rate it a bit higher (at least a four) and for me it is the third best documentary feature of the year behind a flat-footed first place tie (UP THE YANGTZE and MAN ON WIRE)

]]> By: Daniel http://www.moviezeal.com/encounters-at-the-end-of-the-world/comment-page-1/#comment-14302 Daniel Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:12:50 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=1382#comment-14302 Sorry this one didn't deliver as much as you might have hoped from my buzzing about it all summer. I guess at some point I got past Herzog's involvement and just enjoyed meeting the odd people and places and animals down there. I do agree that he didn't have much of an agenda that he was working from, but I think the uniqueness of the subjects overshadowed the lack of a narrative. Will it end up on my Top 10 of '08 Docs list? Probably toward the end. Will I go out of my way to see it again soon? Probably not. Sorry this one didn’t deliver as much as you might have hoped from my buzzing about it all summer. I guess at some point I got past Herzog’s involvement and just enjoyed meeting the odd people and places and animals down there. I do agree that he didn’t have much of an agenda that he was working from, but I think the uniqueness of the subjects overshadowed the lack of a narrative.

Will it end up on my Top 10 of ‘08 Docs list? Probably toward the end. Will I go out of my way to see it again soon? Probably not.

]]> By: Evan Derrick http://www.moviezeal.com/encounters-at-the-end-of-the-world/comment-page-1/#comment-13764 Evan Derrick Sun, 07 Sep 2008 22:06:12 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=1382#comment-13764 G, I could see flashes of Herzog in <i>Rescue</i>, but not many. For a director who's films ostentatiously bear his fingerprints, <i>Rescue</i> held only fleeting glimpses of him. I'd be interested to hear why you thought it perfectly fit into his oeuvre. Haiku Girl: but was Herzog really being sarcastic? I thought that was just him being him. Andrew, no worries about feeling defensive. You had a great, impassioned writeup at your site. Herzog's films always seem to engender the most subjective responses - they either hit you just right or feel wildly off the mark. <i>Encounters</i> felt more like that than many of his other films - I just wasn't quite riding it's wavelength, although it's not difficult to see how others could. G, I could see flashes of Herzog in Rescue, but not many. For a director who’s films ostentatiously bear his fingerprints, Rescue held only fleeting glimpses of him. I’d be interested to hear why you thought it perfectly fit into his oeuvre.

Haiku Girl: but was Herzog really being sarcastic? I thought that was just him being him.

Andrew, no worries about feeling defensive. You had a great, impassioned writeup at your site. Herzog’s films always seem to engender the most subjective responses – they either hit you just right or feel wildly off the mark. Encounters felt more like that than many of his other films – I just wasn’t quite riding it’s wavelength, although it’s not difficult to see how others could.

]]> By: Andrew Wyatt http://www.moviezeal.com/encounters-at-the-end-of-the-world/comment-page-1/#comment-13761 Andrew Wyatt Sun, 07 Sep 2008 20:08:34 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=1382#comment-13761 Oh, to be clear, that wasn't snark lobbed at you, Evan, and I'm sorry if sounded like an off-handed barb. I believe the term "minor Herzog" was from Nick Schager at Slant, although similar sentiments seem to be evident from Onion AV Club, the Voice, and Slate. And, honestly, I don't really have a bone to pick with their assessments in and of themselves. I think one can make a solid argument that Encounters is objectively inferior to Aguirre or Grizzly Man. Despite all that, it seems like Encounters, which is sitting at 80 at Metacritic, has pretty much been universally praised. I guess was just mulling over my own biases. Encounters touched me in a personal way, and therefore I feel a pang of defensiveness about it lately. And I generally agree with your assessment of Rescue Dawn. It seemed the most oddly mercenary and straightforward of Herzog's films that I have seen. Oh, to be clear, that wasn’t snark lobbed at you, Evan, and I’m sorry if sounded like an off-handed barb. I believe the term “minor Herzog” was from Nick Schager at Slant, although similar sentiments seem to be evident from Onion AV Club, the Voice, and Slate. And, honestly, I don’t really have a bone to pick with their assessments in and of themselves. I think one can make a solid argument that Encounters is objectively inferior to Aguirre or Grizzly Man. Despite all that, it seems like Encounters, which is sitting at 80 at Metacritic, has pretty much been universally praised.

I guess was just mulling over my own biases. Encounters touched me in a personal way, and therefore I feel a pang of defensiveness about it lately.

And I generally agree with your assessment of Rescue Dawn. It seemed the most oddly mercenary and straightforward of Herzog’s films that I have seen.

]]> By: G http://www.moviezeal.com/encounters-at-the-end-of-the-world/comment-page-1/#comment-13757 G Sun, 07 Sep 2008 16:49:28 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=1382#comment-13757 I thought Rescue Dawn was near perfect, and completely fit in with a portrait of intense insanity like Fitzcarraldo or Aguirre. But maybe that's just me. I thought Rescue Dawn was near perfect, and completely fit in with a portrait of intense insanity like Fitzcarraldo or Aguirre. But maybe that’s just me.

]]> By: Haiku Girl http://www.moviezeal.com/encounters-at-the-end-of-the-world/comment-page-1/#comment-13755 Haiku Girl Sun, 07 Sep 2008 15:14:43 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=1382#comment-13755 I enjoy Herzog, and thought Fitzcarraldo was great, but I'd have to know who I was recommending Herzog too, before I chose a film. I liked both Fitzcarraldo, and Auguire: Wrath of God, but most people I know would think they were waaaay to long, and had not enough action. Ecounters was great, I loved how Herzog would start an interview, and then voice over sarcastic comments if it wasn't going well. I enjoy Herzog, and thought Fitzcarraldo was great, but I’d have to know who I was recommending Herzog too, before I chose a film. I liked both Fitzcarraldo, and Auguire: Wrath of God, but most people I know would think they were waaaay to long, and had not enough action.

Ecounters was great, I loved how Herzog would start an interview, and then voice over sarcastic comments if it wasn’t going well.

]]> By: Evan Derrick http://www.moviezeal.com/encounters-at-the-end-of-the-world/comment-page-1/#comment-13751 Evan Derrick Sun, 07 Sep 2008 14:08:26 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=1382#comment-13751 Andrew, I'm assuming you're just making a general statement and not indicating that I thought this was minor Herzog? I would consider <i>Rescue Dawn</i> minor Herzog. It's certainly the most commercial film he's ever made, but it seems so far removed from the aesthetic and personality that he injects into all of his other pictures. If I wanted someone to become interested in Herzog, I wouldn't recommend <i>Rescue</i> to them, because even though they would likely enjoy it, they would not get a very clear picture of who Herzog is as a filmmaker and what makes him so unique. With that said, this film did not capture me like some of his others. I can appreciate, Andrew, how you and Phillip had strong reactions, but this just didn't do it for me. I enjoyed it, but wasn't overwhelmed/stunned/awestruck like I was after watching <i>Fitzcarraldo</i> or <i>Grizzly Man</i>. His eccentric take ("loony pomposity" as Rick so aptly put it) on the inhabitants of McMurdo was interesting, but it felt more like a quirky Discover Channel program than a full-blown Herzog film. Andrew, I’m assuming you’re just making a general statement and not indicating that I thought this was minor Herzog?

I would consider Rescue Dawn minor Herzog. It’s certainly the most commercial film he’s ever made, but it seems so far removed from the aesthetic and personality that he injects into all of his other pictures. If I wanted someone to become interested in Herzog, I wouldn’t recommend Rescue to them, because even though they would likely enjoy it, they would not get a very clear picture of who Herzog is as a filmmaker and what makes him so unique.

With that said, this film did not capture me like some of his others. I can appreciate, Andrew, how you and Phillip had strong reactions, but this just didn’t do it for me. I enjoyed it, but wasn’t overwhelmed/stunned/awestruck like I was after watching Fitzcarraldo or Grizzly Man. His eccentric take (”loony pomposity” as Rick so aptly put it) on the inhabitants of McMurdo was interesting, but it felt more like a quirky Discover Channel program than a full-blown Herzog film.

]]> By: G http://www.moviezeal.com/encounters-at-the-end-of-the-world/comment-page-1/#comment-13749 G Sun, 07 Sep 2008 12:57:11 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=1382#comment-13749 That would actually be a hilarious website. No Country For Old Men: 3. Street Kings: 3. Disaster Movie: 3. We neither like nor dislike anything! That would actually be a hilarious website. No Country For Old Men: 3. Street Kings: 3. Disaster Movie: 3.

We neither like nor dislike anything!

]]> By: Luke Harrington http://www.moviezeal.com/encounters-at-the-end-of-the-world/comment-page-1/#comment-13748 Luke Harrington Sun, 07 Sep 2008 12:42:09 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=1382#comment-13748 No way, dude. MovieZeal is a celebration of mediocrity. In fact, we're thinking about changing the name of the site to All3's.com. :) No way, dude. MovieZeal is a celebration of mediocrity. In fact, we’re thinking about changing the name of the site to All3’s.com. :)

]]> By: G http://www.moviezeal.com/encounters-at-the-end-of-the-world/comment-page-1/#comment-13747 G Sun, 07 Sep 2008 11:50:19 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=1382#comment-13747 Hey fellas: If you look at the last 8 films reviewed, at the top of your site, you've given 4 3.5s and 4 3s. I know this is partially does chance, as this is mediocrity time for movies. But have you considered using the rest of the ratings a little more? Hey fellas: If you look at the last 8 films reviewed, at the top of your site, you’ve given 4 3.5s and 4 3s. I know this is partially does chance, as this is mediocrity time for movies. But have you considered using the rest of the ratings a little more?

]]> By: Phillip Johnston http://www.moviezeal.com/encounters-at-the-end-of-the-world/comment-page-1/#comment-13731 Phillip Johnston Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:57:16 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=1382#comment-13731 As I read your review I kept asking myself, "How is he going to get through a review of this film <i>without</i> mentioning the lone penguin?!" But you did. And it made me happy. I haven't been able to get that image out of my head since I saw the film in May -- just one of the many points in the film where I was almost weeping. I laughed a lot during this one, too. Herzog's documentary style strikes such a good balance between humor and existential seriousness. He's so completely genuine that none of it seems forced. As I read your review I kept asking myself, “How is he going to get through a review of this film without mentioning the lone penguin?!” But you did. And it made me happy. I haven’t been able to get that image out of my head since I saw the film in May — just one of the many points in the film where I was almost weeping.

I laughed a lot during this one, too. Herzog’s documentary style strikes such a good balance between humor and existential seriousness. He’s so completely genuine that none of it seems forced.

]]> By: G http://www.moviezeal.com/encounters-at-the-end-of-the-world/comment-page-1/#comment-13727 G Sat, 06 Sep 2008 20:30:42 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=1382#comment-13727 The deranged penguin pretty much destroyed my soul. This movie is fantastic. That German guy is crazy! The deranged penguin pretty much destroyed my soul. This movie is fantastic. That German guy is crazy!

]]> By: Nick Plowman http://www.moviezeal.com/encounters-at-the-end-of-the-world/comment-page-1/#comment-13726 Nick Plowman Sat, 06 Sep 2008 19:42:10 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=1382#comment-13726 Can't believe that I still have not seen this... Can’t believe that I still have not seen this…

]]> By: Rick Olson http://www.moviezeal.com/encounters-at-the-end-of-the-world/comment-page-1/#comment-13724 Rick Olson Sat, 06 Sep 2008 18:43:14 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=1382#comment-13724 Evan, a fine review. Herzog is a true original, alternating as he does between loony pomposity -- “Why couldn’t a monkey ride a goat into the sunset?” is a fine example -- and breathtakingly soaring films. I think I'll go watch "Aguirre," now. Evan, a fine review. Herzog is a true original, alternating as he does between loony pomposity — “Why couldn’t a monkey ride a goat into the sunset?” is a fine example — and breathtakingly soaring films. I think I’ll go watch “Aguirre,” now.

]]> By: Andrew http://www.moviezeal.com/encounters-at-the-end-of-the-world/comment-page-1/#comment-13722 Andrew Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:57:48 +0000 http://www.moviezeal.com/?p=1382#comment-13722 I'm a little disappointed that some reviewers seem to regard Encounters as "minor Herzog". It's an understandable assessment when one compares this film to, say, Aguirre or Grizzly Man, but the label seems dismissive in some way. Perhaps I'm just overly sensitive because Encounters touched me so profoundly. I caught it when I was in Seattle on a business trip on one of the creaky upstairs screens at the Varsity. Even seen in that dismal little venue, I found this to be a commanding, astonishing film. With Morris' Standard Operating Procedure, this is shaping up to be a good year for veteran documentary directors. My full review: http://gatewaycinephiles.com/2008/07/30/review-encounters-at-the-end-of-the-world/ I’m a little disappointed that some reviewers seem to regard Encounters as “minor Herzog”. It’s an understandable assessment when one compares this film to, say, Aguirre or Grizzly Man, but the label seems dismissive in some way. Perhaps I’m just overly sensitive because Encounters touched me so profoundly. I caught it when I was in Seattle on a business trip on one of the creaky upstairs screens at the Varsity. Even seen in that dismal little venue, I found this to be a commanding, astonishing film. With Morris’ Standard Operating Procedure, this is shaping up to be a good year for veteran documentary directors.

My full review:
http://gatewaycinephiles.com/2008/07/30/review-encounters-at-the-end-of-the-world/

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