Because The Mountain Was There
Because The Mountain Was There

Because The Mountain Was There

1971Movie32 minFrench

On May 23, 1971, a French expedition led by Robert Paragot successfully climbed Makalu via its west pillar. Makalu is one of the five highest peaks in the world, located in the Himalayas on the Nepalese-Tibetan border. Jean-Pierre Janssen and Lucien Bérardini filmed this expedition, where Robert Paragot spoke about the expedition conditions, life at altitude, and his state of mind as expedition leader. On the return to base camp, Jean-Pierre Janssen interviewed Lucien Berardini, Georges Payot, Jean-Claude Mosca, François Guillot, and Jean-Paul Paris, all of whom played a key role in bringing Bernard Mellet and Yannick Seigneur to the summit. Expedition members: Robert Paragot (expedition leader), Georges Payot, Yannick Seigneur, Claude Jager, Jean-Claude Mosca, François Guillot, Bernard Mellet, Lucien Bérardini, Jean-Paul Paris, Robert Jacob, Jacques Marchal (surgeon).

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Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Director: Edward D. Wood Jr.Genres: Documentary, Short

Plot Summary

This short documentary, helmed by the notorious Ed Wood, chronicles the construction and purpose of the world's first ""living bridge"" in North Vancouver, British Columbia. The film showcases the innovative engineering marvel and its integration into the natural landscape. It offers a glimpse into a unique architectural achievement and its connection to the surrounding environment.

Critical Reception

As a very short, niche documentary, "Because The Mountain Was There" has received minimal critical attention. Its primary recognition comes from its association with Ed Wood, whose later films gained a cult following for their unconventional and often unintentionally humorous qualities. Audience reception is largely limited to fans of Wood's work and those interested in obscure or historical documentaries.

What Reviewers Say

  • A brief, albeit unusual, look at a historical engineering feat.
  • Showcases the distinct, low-budget aesthetic often associated with Ed Wood's filmography.
  • Interesting for its subject matter and its creator's unique place in cinema history.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific short documentary is not readily available. General sentiment is often tied to its director's reputation, with viewers appreciating its historical value or finding it an interesting, if peculiar, addition to Wood's filmography.

Fun Fact

This documentary was filmed around the same time Ed Wood was working on his infamous film "Plan 9 from Outer Space" as a brief aside, showcasing his diverse (and often experimental) directorial interests beyond his more infamous narrative features.

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