A short reflection on the recreational aspects of Touching the Void

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The recreation aspects of the documentary were a phenomenal way of merging imagery with Simon and Joe's personal experiences. I was surprised that the recreation was so accurate with what Joe and Simon recounted. The actors get five stars from me because the documentary had me on the edge of my seat. The problems that the movie explores are really complex, in opinion. They don't address any ethical, ideological, or social issues; rather, they focus on the climax of the movie: Simon cutting the rope tethered to Joe. More specifically, the film explores an amazing survival story, but it also address the problems dealing with the technicalities and techniques of alpine climbing in both normal and risky situations. I ask what could have Simon done instead of cutting the rope holding his partner. The rope is long enough that even if Simon began to slide, Joe would have reached the bottom before Simon went off the edge.