Homework: Due Friday, March 11 in my mailbox

Touching the Void, 2003

Kevin MacDonald, Director

Please answer the following questions.

1. Joe Simpson states that he wrote the book Touching the Void to “set the record straight.” What do you think he wanted to “get straight”? In your own words, what is the argument?

2. List the elements of the film that are designed to evoke emotional responses that support the argument.

3. How would you describe the ethos of Joe Simpson? Simon Yates?

4. How does knowing a bit about each climber contribute to the strength of the argument?

5. What are the values of the climbing community in general? (What do they value?)

6. Do Joe and Simon have core values that differ radically from the values of the climbing community in general?

7. In what ways does this film use the idea of “what is” versus “what ought to be”?

8. How does this film present facts and reason in support of the basic argument?