Take one part “ Endless Summer”, a pinch of “The Hobbit - There and
Back Again”, (the animated version), a
couple of teaspoons of “Into
Thin Air”, throw in a dash of Blue
Hawaii, and you have the film “180
Degrees South”. If this outdoor
documentary doesn’t whet your appetite for adventure, then, perhaps you need to
check your hunger for life.
Film maker and adventurer, Jeff Johnson ponders the question
that many of us do. What is left to do
that hasn’t already been accomplished?
Instead of dwelling on the negative, he determines to recreate a journey
made first by Yvon
Chounard, founder of Patagonia and Dave Tompkins the creator of the North Face. Like the title of the film, the goal is to
head south 180 degrees. Johnson doesn’t
mimic the outdoor pioneers exactly; instead he makes his way to the bottom of
the world a bit differently, but by means no less difficult or intriguing.
Choosing water over a Volkswagen
Van and the open road, he hires on as crew on a ship heading south. A decision he initially regrets due to his
propensity towards sea sickness.
Although he later overcomes the nausea, video of him retching, sprawled
out on a filthy cot deep in the ship’s bowels is moving. Feelings not lost on those of us whom has
suffered the same fate. It’s not long
before the craft itself is disabled as its mast is broken.
We are rewarded with great surf footage as the crippled
vessel arrives at Easter Island for repairs.
Of course a South Pacific surf goddess named Makohe
lives and teaches others on the island how to ride the waves. A hint of a relationship surfaces between her
and Jeff, and another person is added to the journey.
Upon arrival in South America, we are introduced to Yvon and
Doug. Over tea, they educate us on times
past, and the wanderlust they shared.
Both men now are multi-millionaires many times over. Yet, they reminisce with fondness over days
past that were void of money, but bursting with adrenaline. Businessmen by
accident, they are now environmentalists and conservationists by design and
intent. They chose to follow their
dreams, living life on their terms. A
thread which plays strongly throughout the documentary. To say which man returns more towards the
preservation of wild lands is a tossup.
The film unintentionally shows the viewer how quickly
extreme sports have grown. While the men
are now in their 70’s, the 1960’s was not that long ago. Developing clothing and equipment to solve
the problems of their passions for climbing, surfing and other outdoor sports
they in turn inadvertently launched an industry that was nonexistent.
The cinematography of Patagonia
is unparalleled. The story continues
with more action. Two of Jeff’s friends
arrive. One is an accomplished climber,
the other an equally adept surfer.
Minus Tompkins and the surf buddy, the others gear up and set out to
reach the summit of Mt.
Fitzroy. This last part of the trek
is filmed in detail, yet the movie leaves enough time to educate the audience
on the eco-abuse going on in this southern continent, as well as around the
world.
Without doubt the film takes liberty to editorialize the
views of the producers and cast, however the message does not drowned out the
entertainment the movie provides. It is
without question one of the best outdoor documentaries to be aired in reason
times.
Other great movies and documentaries along the same lines
you might enjoy are:
1.
Endless Summer II
2.
To The Limit
3.
Born
Free
5.
Everest
