Herzogian Antarctica: Pink Floyd Seals and a Suicidal Penguin
Text by Ryan Bradley
Werner Herzog’s latest film, Encounters at the End of the World, recently opened nationwide. It is a documentary about Antarctica—specifically about McMurdo Station, headquarters of the National Science Foundation (which helped fund the film), and the people living and working in this community of 1,100 at the bottom of the planet.
A little more than a year ago, I spoke to the director about his movie Rescue Dawn, among other things (read the full interview here). He had returned from McMurdo only days before. “What is this film about?” I asked. He paused. “I’m still figuring that out,” he replied.
Encounters is not Herzog’s best film. But it is still thrilling to watch, and worth the price of admission. It is, in many ways, the anecdote to the summer blockbusters. The film is simple, spare; not much more than the German filmmaker and a cameraman walking around McMurdo, meeting folks, seeing them work, and extracting their life stories. It contains several beautiful, bizarre moments that are probably best described as being Herzogian: a suicidal penguin, a failed survival drill with bags over participants’ heads, and Weddell seals communicating beneath the ice through noises described (accurately) as sounding like Pink Floyd.
Watching Encounters reminded me of an oft-repeated Herzog quote: “If I opened a film school, I would make everyone earn their tuition themselves by working. Not in an office, but out where there is real life.” And so much the better if you have a camera with you.
Related Topics
Go Further
Animals
- These pelicans are starving to death—despite plenty to eatThese pelicans are starving to death—despite plenty to eat
- The world's largest fish are vanishing without a traceThe world's largest fish are vanishing without a trace
- We finally know how cockroaches conquered the worldWe finally know how cockroaches conquered the world
- Why America's 4,000 native bees need their day in the sunWhy America's 4,000 native bees need their day in the sun
- Crowdsourcing an anti-poaching movement in South Africa
- Paid Content
Crowdsourcing an anti-poaching movement in South Africa
Environment
- 2024 hurricane season forecasted to be record-breaking year2024 hurricane season forecasted to be record-breaking year
- Connecting a new generation with South Africa’s iconic species
- Paid Content
Connecting a new generation with South Africa’s iconic species - These images will help you see coral reefs in a whole new wayThese images will help you see coral reefs in a whole new way
- What rising temps in the Gulf of Maine mean for wildlifeWhat rising temps in the Gulf of Maine mean for wildlife
- He’s called ‘omacha,’ a dolphin that transforms into a man. Why?He’s called ‘omacha,’ a dolphin that transforms into a man. Why?
History & Culture
- I wrote this article with a 18th century quill. I recommend it.I wrote this article with a 18th century quill. I recommend it.
- Why this Bronze Age village became known as ‘Britain’s Pompeii’Why this Bronze Age village became known as ‘Britain’s Pompeii’
- These modern soldiers put Bronze Age armor to the testThese modern soldiers put Bronze Age armor to the test
- Should couples normalize sleeping in separate beds?Should couples normalize sleeping in separate beds?
- They were rock stars of paleontology—and their feud was legendaryThey were rock stars of paleontology—and their feud was legendary
Science
- Tuberculosis is rising in the U.S. again. How did we get here?Tuberculosis is rising in the U.S. again. How did we get here?
- Are ultra-processed foods as addictive as cigarettes?Are ultra-processed foods as addictive as cigarettes?
- Epidurals may do more than relieve pain—they could save livesEpidurals may do more than relieve pain—they could save lives
- Why the world's oldest sport is still one of the best exercisesWhy the world's oldest sport is still one of the best exercises
Travel
- How to plan the ultimate island-hopping adventure in ScotlandHow to plan the ultimate island-hopping adventure in Scotland
- Why this Scottish island is best explored by waterWhy this Scottish island is best explored by water
- Return to the wild: Connecting with Canada's heritage
- Paid Content
Return to the wild: Connecting with Canada's heritage - A practical guide to cycling Slovenia Green RoutesA practical guide to cycling Slovenia Green Routes
- This road trip journeys through Albania's wild, blue heartThis road trip journeys through Albania's wild, blue heart
- This Italian lake is a surprising adventure playgroundThis Italian lake is a surprising adventure playground