The Mountain Between
introduction
The Mountain Between Us , released in 2017, is an American romantic drama directed by Palestinian directorHany Abu-Assad. Based on the novel of the same name byCharles Martin, the film presents a poignant story of survival, unexpected love, and self-discovery in the face of extreme circumstances.Idris Elbaand KateWinsletthe filmin Utahafter a horrific plane crash. Blending elements of thriller, survival, and romance, the film offers a profound emotional and physical journey, exploring the limits of human endurance and resilience, and how extreme conditions can reveal the essence of human relationships. Since its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film has received widespread acclaim, not only for its gripping story and the performances of its stars, but also for the production challenges the crew faced in filming realistic scenes in a harsh mountain environment. Although critical reactions to the film were mixed, with some praising the acting and cinematography, while others criticized the screenplay and certain aspects of the plot, it did well at the box office, reflecting its appeal to audiences seeking stories that combine adventure and emotion. [6] This analytical essay aims to delve into the film "The Mountain Between Us," exploring its technical and dramatic details. We will analyze the plot and the main characters, focusing on the psychological and emotional development of both Ben and Alex.alsoaddresstechnicalaspectsof the film, including the direction, cinematography, and soundtrack, and how these elements contributed to building the overall atmosphere and strengthening its message. We will also provide a critical look at the general reactions to the film, taking into account the opinions of critics and audiences, and we will attempt to understand the reasons for these discrepancies. Finally, we will conclude with an analysis of the film's main themes, such as survival, hope, destiny, and the importance of human connections in times of adversity, and how the film affects viewers through these profound messages.
Summary of the novel The Mountain Between Us
The Mountain Between begins at Salt Lake City Airport , where neurosurgeon Ben Bass (Idris Elba) and photojournalist Alex Martin ( Kate Winslet ) find themselves stranded due to flight cancellations caused by an impending blizzard. Ben is in a hurry to perform an important surgery on a child, while Alex is headed to her wedding. Desperate to reach their destination, Alex suggests chartering a small private plane . Ben reluctantly agrees, and they board the plane piloted by an elderly pilot named Walter ( Beau Bridges ) and his dog.[4]
Events take a tragic turn when Walter suffers a stroke while flying over rugged, snow-covered mountains, causing the plane to crash. Ben, Alex, and the dog miraculously survive the crash but find themselves stranded in a remote, isolated area, severely injured and facing harsh weather conditions and freezing temperatures. Their journey of survival begins, as the two strangers are forced to rely entirely on each other. Ben, with his medical experience, attempts to treat Alex's severe injuries, while Alex, with her adventurous personality, tries to find a way out of this predicament.[4]
Ben and Alex's relationship gradually evolved from strangers to survival buddies, and then into a profound love story. They faced immense physical and psychological challenges, including lack of food and water, extreme cold, danger from wild animals, and the despair of no help. During this ordeal, their knowledge of each other deepened, revealing their strengths and weaknesses, their fears and hopes. Ben discovered that Alex was not just an adventure photographer, but a strong and stubborn woman, while Alex realized that Ben was not just a logical surgeon, but a man carrying deep emotional wounds from his past.[4]
The main themes explored in the film are multiple and intertwined
1- Survival
This is the central theme of the film "The Mountain Between." The film depicts the constant struggle against the harshness of nature, and how humans are forced to exceed their physical and psychological limits to survive. The film highlights the importance of basic survival skills , such as finding shelter, searching for food, and keeping warm, as well as the psychological aspect of survival, which is hope and will.[4]
2. Bonds and love:
Although Ben and Alex were initially complete strangers, harsh circumstances forced them to form a strong bond. This bond evolved from cooperation for survival to a deep friendship, and then to an unexpected love. “The Mountain Between” shows how adversity can bring people together, and how love can be a catalyst for survival and hope even in the darkest of circumstances.[4]
3. Discovery and Transformation:
During their journey, both Ben and Alex undergo a major personal transformation. Ben is forced to confront his repressed emotions and overcome his fear of losing control, while Alex learns patience and logical thinking. They discover new aspects of their personalities that they had never known in their normal lives, leading to profound personal growth.[4]
4. Fate and coincidence:
Fate plays a major role in “The Mountain Between ” bringing two very different people together under unexpected circumstances. The film raises questions about whether this coincidence was just a passing incident or whether it was destined to change their lives.[4]
5 . Nature as a force major:
The snowy mountains are not just a backdrop for the action, but a character in themselves. Nature represents a powerful, indomitable force, putting the characters to a harsh test. The film highlights the beauty and brutality of nature at the same time, and how it can be both a source of inspiration and a threat [4].
Overall, The Mountain Between presents a touching story about the human spirit's resilience in the face of challenges, and how love can flourish in the harshest environments, making it a film worth watching and contemplating due to its profound messages about life, survival, and human relationships.