These films showcase the stunning beauty of the Arctic
The Arctic's stark beauty, with its breathtaking landscapes and the resilience of life that thrives within, has been a subject of fascination in cinema. This compilation highlights five films that bring the Arctic's haunting beauty to the forefront through stunning cinematography. Each film offers a unique window into the remote, icy world of the Arctic, inviting viewers to experience its awe-inspiring vistas.
'The Call of the Wild'
The Call of the Wild (2020), directed by Chris Sanders, is an adaptation of Jack London's novel. While not shot entirely on location, it uses cinematic magic to evoke the Yukon's frigid splendor. The film follows Buck, a dog who is transported to Alaska during the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush, and becomes part of a mail-delivery sled team.
'Insomnia'
Insomnia (2002), directed by Christopher Nolan, features Al Pacino as a detective investigating a murder in a small Alaskan town. The perpetual daylight of the Arctic summer disorients him, adding to the complexity of his task. The setting serves as more than just a backdrop; it becomes an integral character that intensifies the film's tense and oppressive atmosphere.
'The Grey'
The Grey (2011), directed by Joe Carnahan and starring Liam Neeson, portrays the ordeal of oil workers surviving a plane crash in Alaska. Challenged by the need to fend off vicious wolf packs in the icy wilderness, their harrowing struggle is captured with cinematography that reflects nature's cold indifference and their own chilling fight for survival.
'Everest'
Everest (2015), directed by Baltasar Kormakur, recreates the true events of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster. The film captures the climbers' perilous journey and their fight for survival in one of Earth's most extreme climates. Although Everest is not situated in the Arctic, its severe high-altitude environment parallels the isolated majesty typical of Arctic landscapes, reinforcing themes of isolation and endurance.
'Arctic'
In Arctic (2018), Mads Mikkelsen plays a man stranded after an airplane crash in the Arctic Circle. Directed by Joe Penna, this survival drama focuses on his decision to remain at his makeshift camp or venture out into unknown territory for potential rescue. Its cinematography starkly captures his isolation amidst vast expanses of ice and snow.
