Films set in the wilderness
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spiderwort — 2 years ago(April 22, 2023 12:56 AM)
It's pretty well documented that it was in many ways what we would these days call a docudrama. But I don't think it's fair to call the film a lie because of that. It does document so much of Inuit life at that time, filmed over a year of Flaherty's residence with the people he was shooting. And I know there's a longstanding controversy about the film as a straight documentary, but many later "documentaries" were done much in the same manner. So back to the notion of it being a docudrama, instead of a straight documentary. For me, that does not invalidate the film at all. And I don't know what "iirc" means, so I can't comment on that, sorry.
EDIT: I'm going to adjust my OP to clarify this. -
spiderwort — 6 years ago(October 01, 2019 01:13 PM)
Great list, muttley. Regrettably, I haven't seen
Aguirre: Wrath of God
yet; keep meaning to, but it has always eluded me.
But I very much appreciate the others.
Lifeboat
is an excellent examination of people under duress, who are trapped together on the open sea. And
Walkabout
's story and Australian outback locations are simply wonderful. It's one of my favorites. And I would have to say, now that you mention it, that
Woman in the Dunes
is, too. I haven't seen that one in decades, but I still remember how beautiful and haunting it was in its unique landscape, with its unique story. Now you've got me wanting to see it again!
EDIT: I've dug up the trailer, and it's so much the way I remember it after all these many years. What a brilliant and haunting film. I really have to watch it again. -
spiderwort — 6 years ago(October 01, 2019 01:16 PM)
Probably the definitive desert film of all time. I think David Lean was second only to John Ford in knowing how to use a landscape to tell a story (and there were times when I even think he did it better).
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spiderwort — 6 years ago(October 01, 2019 02:02 PM)
Yes, what an interesting film and story this one was. Kudos to Witherspoon for producing it. She didn't want to star in it, but had to in order to get it done. But I doubt she regretted that choice.
EDIT:
@glynnpadraic
And for the record for those who don't know, if you look at the credits for this film, it identifies her as a producer beneath Executive producers. Don't let that confuse you. In film, a
producer
is the person who really produces the film hands on and owns it, so to speak;
executive producers
generally raise the money.
In television, however, executive producers are the real producers, the ones who put the whole show together and maintain creative control, while producers are what are known as show runners, handling the day-to-day needs of production, -
Woodyanders — 2 years ago(April 11, 2023 05:13 PM)
Backcountry (2014). Genuinely harrowing wilderness survivalist thriller about a couple of young backpackers who run afoul of a vicious predatory bear after they get hopelessly lost in the woods. Missy Peregrym and Jeff Roop are excellent and convincing as the young couple in danger while the scenes with the bear are truly terrifying. Based on a true story, too.
You've seen Guy Standeven in something because the man was in everything. -
spiderwort — 2 years ago(April 12, 2023 12:26 PM)
Yes, I enjoyed both of those. Haven't thought of The Naked Prey in ages. Starring and also directed by Cornel Wilde. I tend to forget that he directed a few films later in his career. Just like Ray Milland did.
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Woodyanders — 2 years ago(April 12, 2023 01:17 PM)
Across the Great Divide (1976). Really nice family Western about a con man drifter who helps two orphan kids get through the wilderness so they can claim a family inheritance. Robert Logan is very good as the con man while Heather Rattray and Mark Edward Hall are extremely likeable as the kids. Lots of gorgeous scenery in this sweet charming film. From the same folks who did the Wilderness Family movies.
You've seen Guy Standeven in something because the man was in everything. -
Woodyanders — 2 years ago(April 19, 2023 02:53 PM)
Infinite Storm (2022). Naomi Watts gives a strong and credible performance as a veteran climber and rescue worker who finds herself trapped on top of a mountain by a fierce blizzard. Billy Howle is likewise sturdy and convincing as the sullen young man Watts discovers on the mountain. The pair must work together to keep each other alive. Director Malgorzata Szumowska astutely captures both the beauty and danger of nature as well as brings an immersive approach to the subject matter that proves to be harrowingly effective.
You've seen Guy Standeven in something because the man was in everything.