The Beckoning Silence [DVD]

This was the best docu film I’ve watched for years

I’m writing this review partly to address the issue brought up by a previous reviewer of ‘female intrusions’ into the story which ‘sully its purity’ (!). Luckily it isn’t written anywhere that girls and women can’t climb; moreover, there isn’t any female ‘intrusion’ in the story (no women or girl characters whatsoever) - there is, however, consideration by Joe Simpson of the human cost of climbing when things go wrong. The courage, determination, and anguish of Toni Kurtz et al are characteristics which come across very well in this film and which are shared by men and women alike, in climbing and in life.I counted around six women in the credits. (At least 6:1 men:women ratio, at an estimate) including the producer and director Louise Osmond. But since the whole film is based on Simpson’s book and presented by him with his views, I can’t see how this would constitute a female ‘intrusion’ either.

Why not buy these three products together? "The Beckoning Silence" - "Touching The Void" - "North Face" They are worth buying as a collection. All three examine in different ways the motives behind what makes people climb mountains, risk their lives and those of others, and drive themselves to success and try to reach the summit. The first two are Joe Simpson's films and are a very deep personal examination of his motives in climbing and in the process they are a courageous analysis of himself. "North Face" is a German dramatised documentary of an incident on the North face of the Eiger in 1936. All three are excellently filmed and excellent examples of dramatised documentary form."Touching The Void" is the harrowing description of Joe Simpson's accident on "Siula Grande" with his friend Simon Yates and the horrifying decisions that had to be made, and the courage and determination to live that resulted."The Beckoning Silence" is his very personal reflection, years later on the events on "Siula Grande" and how it changed him and he had to learn to accept himself as a different person. During his terrifying turmoil at the end of the rope he was haunted by the memory of the incident with Toni Kurz on the North Face of the Eiger in 1936. By revisiting the site of the incident he explains how he has learned to come to terms with himself and his feelings about climbing."North Face" is the dramatised documentary version of this incident on the Eiger and demonstrates through the excellent direction, photography and performances of the actors, all that Joe Simpson has tried to demonstrate and explain in his two films.Highly recommended for anyone who loves stories about mountain climbing and the human factors involved in challenging the forces of nature and the elements within all of us which in certain situations become tests of our character.

I watched the documentary on television, not really knowing what it was all about, but having previously watched Touching the Void and read a couple of other books by Joe Simpson. I was gripped from the outset and it brought back memories of watching an earlier documentary from the 1970's about a climb of the Eiger filmed by Leo Dickinson, and my childhood dream of wanting to see the North Face myself.The fate of the climbers was too tragic for words; and after a brilliant piece of climbing by one of them that opened up the whole face a simple error, completely unforeseen, eventually led to their untimely deaths. Simpson's use of the Beckoning Silence to describe the North Face is a most appropriate description. Having since been to see the Eiger myself I agree that looking at is awe inspiring and you quickly feel drawn to want to test your skills against its imposing bulk, even if like me you don't climb.Simpson's own climb on the face itself (accompanied by breathtaking photography) demonstrates how difficult the climb must have been for those without the use of modern day equipment or clothing. Harrer's later account of his own success in The White Spider shows how after the Kurtz tragedy he took every precaution before his own attempt.If anyone is thinking of taking up mountaineering as a sport I would suggest that this documentary is a must; if only to demonstrate that no matter how good a climber you think you are, danger (and possible death)is only a step away.

You really need to have seen Touching the Void to appreciate this, but it is still pretty weak. Merely the retelling of a story - two stories really - that any climbing enthusiast will already know. The North Face was OK, but it was a drama and had some stupid moments - female intrusions into the story arc - that sullied its purity.Perfectly watchable though and enjoyable, just nothing new. If you want real thrills, then go climb something!

As with everything Joe has done, the book is way better.That said, this is really good. It gives you the terror and the drama and the reconstruction is very well done.

I've always been fascinated by stories of hardship and courage in the mountains, and this story of Toni Kurz and Andreas Hinterstoiser is one that has fuelled my imagination, and taught me to respect those who have gone before. The brilliance of Hinterstoisser's climbing ability and the sheer will power of Kurz to survive right to the end, all brought to life with good climbing sequences and well scripted commentary by Joe Simpson. This is a story of human endurance that would move any one, climber or not. If you're interested in mountaineering or climbing history, or even if you're just a climber who's wondered about the roots of their sport, this dvd is a must. Totally engaging.