The Dark Glow of the Mountains

The Dark Glow of the Mountains (German: Gasherbrum – Der Leuchtende Berg) is a TV documentary made in 1985 by German filmmaker Werner Herzog. It is about an expedition made by mountain climber Reinhold Messner and his partner Hans Kammerlander to climb Gasherbrum II and Gasherbrum I all in one trip without returning to base camp. The film is not so much concerned with showing the climb itself or giving guidelines on mountaineering, but seeks to reveal the inner motivation of the climbers.

The Dark Glow of the Mountains
Messner at the summit of Gasherbrum II
GenreDocumentary
Written byWerner Herzog
Directed byWerner Herzog
Starring
Narrated byWerner Herzog
Music byPopol Vuh
Country of originWest Germany
Original languageGerman
Production
Producers
  • Werner Herzog
  • Manfred Nägele
CinematographyRainer Klausmann
EditorMaximiliane Mainka
Running time45 minutes
Production companies
Release
Original releaseApril 3, 1985 (1985-04-03)

Background

The film has been compared to other films by Herzog such as Fitzcarraldo and Cave of Forgotten Dreams,[1] for its interest in mountains and the supernatural.

Production

The climb itself was filmed with an 8 mm camera so as to keep as close to the two protagonists as possible.[2]

Reception

The film bearing Herzog's trademark of a very frontal approach of its subject[1] has retrospectively received very positive reviews[3] acquiring the status of a cult classic.[1][4]

References
  1. "The Dark Glow of the Mountains | Explore inner landscapes". Hypercritic. Retrieved 2023-03-31.
  2. "Gasherbrum - The Dark Glow of the Mountains – Films". Visions du Réel. Retrieved 2023-03-31.
  3. Andrew Grossman. "The Dark Glow of the Mountains – Senses of Cinema". Retrieved 2023-03-31.
  4. "The Dark Glow of the Mountains". Kino Art. Retrieved 2023-03-31.


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