Film Preview: Everest (2015)

Page Revisions:

(June 28, 2015) Original
(August 16, 2015) New Trailer (#2) / New Poster (#4) / Page Redesigned

Release Date:

September 18, 2015

Synopsis:

From IMDb: “A climbing expedition on Mt. Everest is devastated by a severe snow storm.”

Poster Rating: C / B- (2) / B

Review: (#1) Putting your actors on your poster design would seem like a wise idea. However, considering the other designs available, it’s unfortunate that the majesty and frightful presence of the mountain itself is not as dominant in the design. (#2 & #3) These appear to be slightly altered versions of the same concept. It’s a looming presence and fits the film’s title, but still lack something threatening.

(#4) This is the best design they’ve implemented. It gets to the heart of the tension and death-defying achievement on display in the film and also gives merit to the idea that it’s in IMAX.

Trailer Rating: B+ / B-

Review: (#1) Getting the audience to the point where it cares about the characters is a film’s job, but to sell a movie like this, the trailer also has to have some latitude on what information it presents. This is a fairly strong display of potential.

(#2) There’s a camaraderie to the first trailer that seems missing from this one, making the actors seem like they’re all in it for themselves. Focusing on the drama of the ascent rather than the lives of the characters makes them seem insignificant and while that’s what Everest can do to mere men, it’s not helpful to selling a film. Add in how overlong this trailer is and I’m afraid they won’t see much movement in interest in this film.

Oscar Prospects:

The film looks like it could be an effects marvel, but whether it can break out beyond Best Makeup & Hairstyling, Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing and Best Visual Effects remains to be seen. Critics will have to adore it. Releasing in September doesn’t give one hope of that, however.