GFF 2010: Beyond the Pole

 

Poking fun at recent po-faced, Ben Fogle style documentaries, Beyond the Pole follows friends and every-men Brian and Mark (Rhys Thomas and Stephen Mangan) in their attempt to become the first ‘carbon neutral, organic, vegetarian and unsupported’ North Pole explorers. Their effort to raise awareness of global warming is brought down to earth however, when strained relationships back home test the two’s friendship to breaking point. Treading ice between piss-take and an attempt to highlight the seriousness of climate change, the humour in Beyond the Pole stays pretty safe and at times is in danger of falling into Robson Green Northern Lights territory. (Mark Benton even co-stars as the “second best mate” back home). The film picks up when the unhinged Mark goes Charlie Bronson with a shotgun – scaring away a rescue helicopter and threatening to take out the Norwegian competition. Director David L. Williams soon drags the film back onto safe ground however, for what is an enjoyable, if a little cosy, mockumentary.