Directed by Nick Ryan
Nick Ryan assumes a daunting challenge with his first feature documentary. Not only must he make sense of the chaotic events that comprised the deadliest 48 hours in the history of the worlds most dangerous mountain, but he also must attempt to offer some insight into the skewed psyches of the high altitude mountaineers. While its success on the latter is ultimately measured the addictive nature of extreme elements is touched upon rather than delved into the films fierce determination and harrowing subject matter ensure that its tension rarely abates, making for riveting, white-knuckle viewing.
As 18 climbers ventured into K2s death zone on August 1, 2008, there were certainly signs that trouble lay ahead. A slight misstep had already spelled the demise of one adventurer. But, given that Earths second tallest peak claims the lives of a quarter of its visitors, a casualty or two went with the precarious territory. That said, no one expected only seven of them to emerge from their impending ordeal alive.
Drawing from interviews with survivors, incorporating video shot during the doomed climb, and staging convincing reenactments, Ryan initially strives for a Rashomon-style structure that revisits key incidents from conflicting perspectives. It soon becomes apparent that theres a version of events that The Summit is intent on championing featuring two unassuming heroes driven by selflessness but destined for different fates. And while only the mountain knows what really happened, Ryans account is undeniably compelling. Opens at Vancity Dec. 6.
