Nazi mountain climber undergoes transformation in 'Tibet'
jewishaz.com
ANNE RACKHAM
Associate Editor
The German magazine Stern revealed this past summer that Heinrich Harrer, the
famous Austrian mountaineer who is the subject of the film "Seven Years in Tibet,"
was not only an arrogant, self-centered jerk before his adventures in Tibet, but also
was a member of the Nazi Party who joined the Schutzstaffel (SS) in 1938.
Harrer, who is still alive, claims to have joined the SS to further his freedom to
climb mountains. But the revelation by the magazine cast a cloud over the film,
which had yet to be released, as misrepresenting Harrer. So its producers went
back to the editing room and added voice-over lines indentifying Harrer as a
member of the National Socialist Party.
The result of this editing is that Harrer's transformation in the film becomes all that
more remarkable. If a Nazi could change, could see the error of his self-absorbed
ways and not only learn how to value other people but other cultures, then surely
any one of us is capable of such self-improvement. And Brad Pitt, in his portrayal
of Harrer, renders a completely believable character reformation.
The film opens in the fall of 1939, as Harrer is boarding a train to join a German
group of mountaineers on a voyage to climb Nanga Parbat, one of the highest
peaks in the Himalayas. Nazi flags fly proudly, and Harrer, who is identified as a
"German hero," is handed one to plant on the mountain.
But equally repulsive as those symbols is that fact that Harrer is leaving behind his
pregnant wife in Austria for a four-month mountain-climbing trip. We are told that
climbing the mountain is a matter of "German pride," since similar German attempts
have failed. It's clear the Harrer is a prideful, selfish person.
When war is declared between Great Britain and Germany, the British, who then
ruled India, arrest and imprison Harrer's group. They remain incarcerated until
1942, when they break out of prison, and Harrer and his countryman Peter
Augschnaiter, portrayed by David Thewlis, travel to Tibet.
Thus begins Harrer's odyssey in self discovery. A few experiences along the way
influence him just enough - by helping him see that there are more important,
valuable things in life than his own successes - that he becomes ready to experience
enlightenment in the presence of the young Dalai Lama.
When he is invited into the service of the Dalai Lama, immediately after Germany
surrenders, Harrer is still proud and arrogant enough to leap into the role, but now
wise enough to be able to learn from the young spiritual leader. Harrer learns about
the joy that comes from embracing and appreciating life, people and experiences.
He also learns about faith - about trusting that if we endeavor to do the right thing,
all things will work out in the end - and gains the inner peace and tranquility that
come from selflessness and love.
Jamyang Wangchuck portrays the Dalai Lama as a multi-dimensional young man
aware of the magnitude of his role, yet the embodiment of humility; already firm in
his spiritual convictions, yet curious and hungry to learn about that in which he has
not been schooled; comfortable with respect and admiration, yet a bit vulnerable
and in need of human affection and friendship.
It's hard to pinpoint the exact moment when Harrer gains true insight, which makes
the change in the character all the more believable and inspiring. The screenplay by
Becky Johnston is based on Harrer's own memoirs, which are read as narration at
points, and which echo Pitt's portrayal.
The filming, which was done in Argentina in the foothills of the Andes on the border
with Chile, is grand and breathtaking.
"Seven Years in Tibet," a Reperage and Vanguard Films/Applecross Production
for Mandalay Entertainment, released in the United States by TriStar Pictures,
opens at theaters nationwide today, Oct. 10. |
