★★★★

With 433 films playing SIFF this year, this may be a silly comment to make, but here goes:

You will not find a more breathtaking visual treat than Jennifer Peedom’s stunning documentary Mountain.

Featuring the work of more than 40 credited cinematographers and footage acquired from more than 20 countries around the world, Peedom’s film explores the human fascination with mountains – wondering out loud about why we climb them, conquer them, and hold them in such grand esteem.

Narrated by a wonderful Willem Dafoe, Mountain is not a conventional documentary, more of an IMAX film on steroids. However, the film features some of the most astonishing footage in a nature-oriented documentary I have seen in years, delivering dizzying, disorienting views of daredevils, mountaineers, and climbing enthusiasts seeking an inner peace and tranquility in reaching the highest of heights.

Dafoe’s poetic narration may be a bit on-the-nose at times, but his voice, layered over a nearly constant and gorgeous score by the Australian Chamber Orchestra, makes this an immersive, memorable experience.

See this on as big a screen as possible.

Starring: Willem Dafoe, The Australian Chamber Orchestra
DIrector: Jennifer Peedom
Running Time: 74 Minutes

SIFF SHOWTIMES:
May 21 | SIFF Egyptian | 7:00 PM
May 22 | Majestic Bay | 7:00 PM