The film is incredible tense and from the first frame you feel the rising level of impending doom. Even for those that have little knowledge of the actual events of the disaster, the film fills you with that dark sense of foreboding. It frames the climbers (accurately or not) as a group of driven people with little regard for their own safety or the tons of rubbish that modern day mountain climbing leaves behind.

The film is big in almost every way, a big cast, a big adventure and a big mountain. With such a large and note worthy cast, you are only really given a brief insight into each character and the film’s structure is very much based on an ensemble approach. This gives the proceedings a forward momentum that isn’t distracted by too much individual examination. As events unfold you are given little respite from the horrors about to unfold.

There will be few if any films this year that will provide an experience as intense as Everest. There is an almost constant struggle in your mind while watching this film as to why anyone would risk so much to get to the top of Everest and by the time the film’s main protagonists actually reach the summit, you are so worn out from the tension it become increasingly difficult to fathom the appeal. Entertaining yes and mostly riveting but the draw of climbing peaks that massive remains elusive.

Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/UniversalPicturesAU

The film is based on the respected biography of Cullen by Erik Jensen’s and both the book and movie probe the depths of the complexities and contradictions of this tortured soul. Jensen deserved combat pay as his time spent with the artist included him being shot, stabbed and pushed off the back of a moving motorcycle. He also spent enough time with Cullen to see below the facade.

Put into a larger context the film is also about family and the degree to which the relationship between parent and child can effect one’s behaviour for a lifetime. Cullen had many unresolved issues with both mother and father and this was reflected in his artwork. As was his relationships with women and his unresolved sexuality.

Cullen died in 2012 at the age of 46 when his body basically just gave up after years of drug and alcohol abuse. He left behind a body of work that is filled with as many contradictions as existed in his life. There are examples of his early work that are contemplative and beautiful, while later works filled with assertive chaos and raw anger. Like all great art they do well to mirror the events of his inner soul.

Rob Hudson
www.acutemisfortune.com