Beyond the Pole

(United Kingdom, 2009, 87 mins, digital video)

Wisconsin Premiere

writer: David L. Williams
co-writer: Neil Warhurst
director of photography: Stuart Biddlecombe
editor: Rob Miller
original music: Guy Michelmore
production designer: Lisa Marie Hall
executive producer: Helen Baxendale
producer: David L. Williams, Andrew Curtis
co-producer: Dean O’Toole
cast: Stephen Mangan, Rhys Thomas, Alexander Skarsgard, Helen Baxendale

Brian (Rhys Thomas) and Mark (Stephan Mangan) are two normal guys from London, setting out on the first Carbon Neutral, Vegetarian, and Organic expedition ever to attempt the North Pole. (Maybe not so normal after all). Accomplishing their mission will surely get them a spot in the Guinness Book of Records, and maybe even save the planet. It is, of course, a fiasco, and a very funny one at that. Brian’s girlfriend Sandra doesn’t want him to go, but Mark’s wife is already absent – since he has nothing left, he might as well go off on a grand adventure. The good intentions of “green” adventurers is gently mocked, as the guys head north to the Great White. A documentary film crew, lead by Helen Baxendale (also a producer of the film) records their every move — at least until the polar bear comes. Mark Benton is hilarious as their bumbling friend Graham, a ham radio operator who keeps track of the pair as they set off to go Beyond the Pole. “Filmed in Greenland amid truly beautiful scenery, this is a film whose engaging comedy plays out against a tragic background....The two leads, veterans of television comedy, create a quirky partnership that easily commands audience attention, even as Mark's determination turns into aggression and Brian starts to wonder if he will ever get off the ice alive.” – Jennie Kermode, eyeforfilm.co.uk.

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