Beyond the Pole

Beyond The Pole is a tongue in cheek movie about climate change, among other things. It also deals with friendships that are strained to breaking point and the strength of human spirit, albeit with a comedic feel.

This independent mockumentary style film made me think while I laughed and at times, cringed. I never felt that it preached to me about the whole climate change debate, but somehow at the end I felt that I had been enlightened slightly.

Maybe it is because the film was actually shot on floating ice caps, with the whole handy cam feel, that it gives you a sense of actually being with the characters as they struggle with their adventure, through the good times, and the bad.

With twists and turns at many points, this film kept me guessing till the end.

A definite must see, even if it's only for a laugh.

I viewed Beyond The Pole as a comedy first and ecological message second. Starting off with an idealogical dream, out two intrepid heroes (Steve Mangham and Rhys Thomas, both displaying flair for comedy) come up with an idea of combining a dream to reach the north Pole with getting into the Guinness Book of Records. They're going as the first non-supported, carbon-free and vegetarian team.

After selling flats and leaving a pregnant wife, the duo get to the Arctic (a beautifully dramatic landscape, filmed in Greenland) and correspond with home, via an amusing and always eating Mark Benton, whom, along with Rhys' wife, talk to them via satellite from a caravan in the middle of a field. Mangham's wife, meanwhile, jollies it up in the south of France with his old school-pal.

Back in Greenland, the team's cameraman shoots an inquisitive polar bear and things start to fall apart and frictions arise between the two pals. Hot on the their trail are an organised and professional Norwegian team, competing under the same rules. When they catch up with our motley duo, they find that out that they happen to be a gay couple. Or were. A couple, that is.

It's fresh and breezy, but never THAT funny and I found some of the relationship bickering a bit trying though overall, a fair stab at something a bit different and ultimately quite enjoyable.

I had the pleasure of seeing this film at a preview a few months ago. As a perfect counter balance to Mr Al Gore's film it's serious subject matter is handled with care and belly laughs. More fun at delivering the message than 50 politicians banging on. A must see for film buffs and white van man alike. In fact it should be shown in Westminster! A classic British film that takes on the issue of the day and makes you think "what can i do to change things?" Great writing and well cast. Good use of soundtrack music pushes the story along to good effect. Forget showing in Westminster, get it to schools and Uni's. "Beyond The Pole" is a very now film that you wont forget in a hurry.

I really love this film. Its a spoof eco doc about one man's attempt to walk to the North Pole. The first carbon neutral, vegetarian unassisted attempt. The cast are familiar to followers of British comedy and the performances are universally excellent. It certainly has moments of low budgetness but then that is also part of its charm. It reminds me of other great spoof docs like Spinal Tap but with a very clear environmental agenda. It is very good at laughing at itself while still staying on message. It is very funny in a very British sort of way but also manages to be profoundly moving at times as well which is a very difficult thing to pull off. If you get the chance, see it.

The climate-change camp of environmentalists have over the last few decades moved from hippies in trees to suits in boardrooms, from Greenpeace ships to parliament and from chaining themselves to construction site fencing to highly paid city-based consultants. Some would argue a long-oppressed and "inconvenient" movement has now swung right through the centre ground, and like many oppressed but important issues, now gone too far, and there is a need for amending the balance.

Enter "Beyond the Pole". While not losing sight - or in my view trying to criticise or offend the climate debate - this film is an hilarious look at where idealism simply goes too far. In a small screening at the ICA we laughed, cringed and cried on a roller-coaster of emotions from the Chelsea Tractor streets of London to the harsh, barren and cold reality of the Arctic North.

This is essential viewing for all. I left amused, entertained and felt some much needed humour (and humility) had been injected into the climate debate.

Not least as I leave for the North Pole at the end of March. And yes, I did go to Public School. Sorry.