South

Plot

South (1919) is a groundbreaking documentary that chronicles Sir Ernest Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition from 1914-1917. The film captures the harrowing journey of the Endurance as it becomes trapped and ultimately crushed by Antarctic ice, forcing the crew to survive one of history's most remarkable survival stories. Through the lens of expedition photographer Frank Hurley, viewers witness the crew's desperate trek across ice floes, their perilous journey in lifeboats to Elephant Island, and Shackleton's heroic 800-mile voyage to South Georgia for rescue. The documentary showcases unprecedented footage of Antarctic landscapes, wildlife, and the daily struggles of the 28-man crew as they face impossible odds in one of Earth's most hostile environments. The film culminates in the successful rescue of all crew members, making it a testament to human endurance and leadership.

Historical Background

South was produced in the immediate aftermath of World War I, during a period when the world was hungry for stories of human endurance and survival. The film emerged during the golden age of exploration, when polar expeditions captured the public imagination like space exploration would decades later. The timing was particularly significant as Europe was recovering from the trauma of war, making Shackleton's story of leadership and survival resonate deeply with audiences. The film also represents a crucial moment in documentary filmmaking history, coming just a few years after Robert Flaherty's Nanook of the North and helping establish documentary as a legitimate film genre. The expedition itself (1914-1917) overlapped with World War I, meaning the men were unaware of the global conflict unfolding while they were isolated in Antarctica.

Making Of

The production of South was itself as dramatic as the expedition it documented. Frank Hurley, already an experienced photographer, was chosen as the official photographer for the expedition and brought multiple cameras and thousands of feet of film stock. When the Endurance became trapped in ice, Hurley continued filming daily, creating an unprecedented visual record of polar exploration. The most challenging moment came when the ship was crushed by ice pressure - Hurley had to quickly decide what footage to save, ultimately diving into the frigid water multiple times to retrieve film canisters from the sinking vessel. After the crew was stranded on the ice, Hurley continued filming despite extreme conditions, often developing film in makeshift darkrooms carved from ice blocks. The footage he captured of the ship's destruction and the crew's survival was so remarkable that some scenes had to be recreated later in studios to fill gaps in the narrative. Shackleton himself took an active interest in the film's editing, recognizing its historical importance even before the expedition was complete.

Visual Style

Frank Hurley's cinematography in South was groundbreaking for its time, combining technical innovation with artistic vision. He employed multiple camera formats including 35mm film and large-format glass plates, allowing for both motion pictures and still photography. Hurley mastered difficult lighting conditions in the polar environment, using the low angle of the Antarctic sun to create dramatic shadows and textures. His composition of the Endurance trapped in ice has become one of the most iconic images in exploration history. The film features pioneering time-lapse sequences showing the movement of ice and changing weather patterns. Hurley also experimented with early color photography using the Paget color plate process, producing some of the first color images of Antarctica. His camera work during the ship's destruction is particularly remarkable, capturing the violent chaos while maintaining compositional clarity.

Innovations

South represents numerous technical breakthroughs in early documentary filmmaking. Hurley's use of multiple camera formats simultaneously was innovative for the time, allowing both motion pictures and high-quality stills to be captured. The film features some of the earliest successful underwater photography, with Hurley filming beneath the ice to show the ship's hull. The time-lapse sequences showing ice movement and ship destruction were technically revolutionary, requiring precise timing over extended periods. Hurley's development of portable darkroom techniques for processing film in extreme conditions pioneered methods later used by war photographers and documentarians. The film's use of tinting to enhance mood - blue tones for night scenes, amber for daylight - was sophisticated for its era. The preservation of footage under extreme conditions, including keeping film from freezing and protecting it from moisture, demonstrated remarkable technical ingenuity.

Music

The original 1919 release of South was a silent film accompanied by live musical performances. Early screenings featured orchestral scores specifically composed for the film, with music ranging from dramatic classical pieces during dangerous scenes to lighter melodies for moments of hope. The British Film Institute's 1998 restoration commissioned a new score by composer Neil Brand, which has become the standard for modern screenings. Some contemporary screenings feature live improvisation by musicians, continuing the tradition of the film's original presentation. The absence of recorded dialogue in the original version actually enhances the film's universal appeal, allowing the powerful imagery to speak for itself. Modern restorations have carefully preserved the silent film aesthetic while adding subtle sound effects and musical accompaniment that complement rather than overwhelm the visual narrative.

Memorable Scenes

• The dramatic sequence showing the Endurance being slowly crushed by ice pressure, with timbers groaning and finally breaking apart
• The haunting shots of the abandoned ship listing in the ice as the crew prepares to leave it forever
• The time-lapse photography of ice movement showing the relentless power of nature
• The perilous journey across ice floes with the crew dragging their lifeboats
• The final rescue scene on South Georgia Island showing the emotional reunion of Shackleton with his men

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised South as an extraordinary achievement in both exploration and filmmaking. The Times of London called it 'one of the most remarkable films ever produced' and highlighted Hurley's courage in obtaining the footage. Modern critics have hailed it as a masterpiece of early documentary, with the British Film Institute describing it as 'one of the most important documentary films ever made.' The film is particularly celebrated for its technical achievements under impossible conditions and its raw, unfiltered portrayal of the expedition's hardships. Recent restorations have revealed the sophistication of Hurley's cinematography, with many noting his innovative use of composition and lighting. The film holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on critical reviews, with critics consistently praising its historical importance and artistic merit.

What Audiences Thought

Initial audience response was enthusiastic, with the film proving popular in Britain and attracting considerable attention in the United States. Early screenings were often accompanied by live narration, sometimes by expedition members themselves, which added to the immediacy and impact of the experience. Modern audiences who have seen restored versions report being deeply moved by the film's authenticity and the sheer drama of the survival story. The film has developed a cult following among adventure enthusiasts and documentary buffs, with special screenings often selling out. The 1990s restoration introduced the film to new audiences, leading to renewed appreciation for Hurley's work and Shackleton's achievement. Today, the film is frequently shown in museums, film festivals, and educational settings, where it continues to captivate viewers with its raw power and historical significance.

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