Just saw “Encounters at the End of the World” at the Carolina. Didn’t know how Herzog’s sensibilities would translate to documentary, but they do, beautifully. Some amazing under-ice footage from, surprisingly, Henry Kaiser (who also did some of the music along with David Lindley). From the oddballs that are attracted to life on Antarctica (I’m looking at you, Mark!) to the scientists who brave the harsh conditions to study volcanoes and neutrinos and penguins and rare life forms, he captured the beauty of a place both lonely and extreme.

And only Herzog would ask a scientist “Are there any insane penguins?” and then find one. And film it. And evoke a sense not of insanity, but of adventure and obsession and futility and pioneering and the essence of a personal journey.