Personal Review

Overall, the film was very well executed. The cinematography really showcased the struggle that the men experienced. The view was very up close  making the connection with Simpson more realistic. With barely any  added extra effects like spans of the scenery, extra lighting and music viewers got a very raw, uncut explanation of what occurred. The camera was always closely kept to Simpson as if he was filming himself which made the reenactment more believable.

The makeup and costume choices for Simpson was immaculate. The appearance of frostbite and broken limbs added significantly to the overall film. Due to Simpson being very constricted, the film relied highly on the cosmetics to show the pain that he was experiencing.

Despite the film being mainly reenacted, Touching the Void was directed and produced very well as although it was actors you were watching, you still emphasized with them. Prior to watching the film I assumed that the documentary would not be able to capture genuinely compassionate emotion from viewers as reenacting such a tragic story would be difficult. The director was instrumental in making the film very realistic and matching the events that occurred. By having the narrated interviews by the two men, viewers are really able to connect to the experience they had. Kevin MacDonald made the film very realistic mimicking the journey the two men had by filming parts in Peru, on the mountain. As well, by having stunt actors mimic the events as explained by Yates and Simpson the documentary became like a dramatic thriller film.

The actors were highly believable in conveying the true emotion that would have been expressed by Simpson as he attempted to descend down the mountain. Based on the Simpson's description of how he felt, the actor efficiently conveyed this to the audience. As well, considering that Simpson and Yates were highly impressed with the way the film turned out, this means that the actors were tremendous in representing their emotions and actions throughout the expedition.