Mount St. Elias
Mount St. Elias

Movie spotlight

Mount St. Elias

2009
Movie
105 min
English

At an altitude of 18,000 feet, Alaska's Mount St. Elias is the destination for a trio of mountaineers determined to reach the mountain's summit, and to ski back down as well. Mount St. Elias documents their journey as they trek the fine line between bravery and madness.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: Gerd SchneiderGenres: Documentary, Adventure, Sport

Plot Summary

This documentary chronicles the daring expedition of renowned alpinists Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner and David Lama as they attempt to climb the formidable Mount St. Elias in Alaska. Facing treacherous conditions, extreme weather, and the sheer verticality of the mountain, the film captures the physical and mental challenges inherent in such a perilous undertaking. It delves into the climbers' motivations, their strategies, and the raw beauty and danger of one of North America's most imposing peaks.

Critical Reception

Mount St. Elias received generally positive reviews, particularly from audiences and critics interested in mountaineering and adventure documentaries. It was praised for its stunning cinematography and its honest portrayal of the extreme difficulties faced by the climbers. Some critics noted the film's slow pace at times but appreciated its focus on the human element and the respect for the mountain.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually stunning with breathtaking shots of the Alaskan wilderness.

  • Effectively conveys the immense physical and psychological challenges of high-altitude mountaineering.

  • A compelling narrative of human endurance against the power of nature.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews and their summaries is not readily available for this documentary.

Fun Fact

Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner's attempt on Mount St. Elias was part of her preparation for her ultimate goal: to summit all 14 eight-thousanders without supplemental oxygen, a feat she accomplished in 2011.

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