Beyond the Pole breathes new life into the up until now, doom and gloom, of the ‘eco movie’.
If films like Franny Armstrong’s, The Age of Stupid, left you with a feeling of ultimate hopelessness then Beyond the Pole, directed and co-written by David L Williams, does the reverse.
This mockumentary sees long-time friends Mark Bark Jones (Stephen Mangan) and Brian Tongue (Rhys Thomas) set out on what at first seems to be a fruitless, yet sincere, attempt to save the planet – and get into the Guinness Book of Records – by being the first to go on a carbon neutral, organic, vegetarian expedition to the North Pole.
There’s no doubt that the script, written by Neil Warhurst, had all the makings for a hilarious plot from the offset. What makes this film so unique however is the poignant undertone that paradoxically suggests the pressing matter of climate change is in no way a joke.
Against all odds the pair set off on their ‘revolutionary’ trip after much needed funds are raised by a fortunate sponsorship from a minor vegetarian suet company and Mark spontaneously selling his own home - losing him his wife. Brian also leaves his, unbeknown to him, pregnant girlfriend behind (Rosie Cavaliero).
Virtuous Mark, whose character borders on austere, generally leads the twosome through their emotional tumults as Brian seems to have a more happy-go-lucky approach to life. Both Mangan and Thomas seem comfortable in their comedic roles and play them with sheer believability.
Along the Arctic, with cameraman Steve in tow (Clive Russell), exacerbating obstacles like Brian’s chaffing, circumcised and frostbitten willy (and toes) are faced. Not to mention the shooting of a polar bear, the shooting of Mark, a nearly fatal ice quake and a perplexing biscuit incident involving two gay Norwegians.
Their mantra, ‘don’t be impotent, be important,’ which is laughingly printed on their t-shirts seems to pull them through - but will they make it to the Pole?
Mark also discards the duo’s only communication device in the sea and later suddenly disappears - will they ever make it back to their loved ones?
Meanwhile Brian’s girlfriend Sandra and her companion Graham (Mark Benton) wait anxiously for response in their kitschy fitted, radio-transmitting, caravan.
The all-star comedic stalwart backing cast, which also sees Helen Baxendale in the post of documentary film maker, provides consistent class and acute humour to the low budget, yet massively heartfelt film.
The film, which was premiered at the London United Film Festival, could not have come at a more suited time as the Copenhagen climate talks are only days away.
Director Williams expressed this film as their ‘little bit’ towards making a change and so it will as he also revealed that Picture houses have agreed to show Beyond the Pole at selected establishments nationwide.
A great film made economically in a wondrous location with timeless humour and bundles of heart, more like this please!
Review by Jade Lori Baker