Age of discovery

Beyond the Horizon: Exploring the Age of Discovery in Cinema

Isn't it fascinating how much our perception of “adventure” is shaped by the stories we tell? When we think of the "Age of Discovery," what comes to mind? Treasure maps, uncharted territories, brave explorers facing down the unknown? It’s a romantic image, fueled by centuries of storytelling – and cinema has played a huge role in crafting that narrative.

The very concept feels ripe for cinematic exploration, doesn't it? We're talking about a period defined not just by geographical discovery but also by cultural collision, ambition, faith, and the brutal realities of colonialism. Think about how "Elcano & Magellan: The First Voyage Around the World" lays bare that reality - a grueling three-year odyssey where survival was a daily battle and "discovery" often meant subjugation. It’s a far cry from the swashbuckling heroics we might expect, but it’s real. Watching those men grapple with starvation and disease really hammers home the sheer audacity of what they were attempting.

Then there's Werner Herzog's "Aguirre, the Wrath of God," which takes that adventurous spirit – that drive to find something new – and twists it into a terrifying psychological descent. Aguirre isn’t driven by noble goals; he’s consumed by obsession. The film brilliantly portrays how easily ambition can warp judgment and lead to madness when fueled by the belief in mythical riches. It's less about the landscape itself and more about what that landscape reveals about the human heart – or, rather, its potential for darkness.

"1492: Conquest of Paradise," while perhaps leaning into a more traditional heroic portrayal, attempts (with varying degrees of success) to grapple with the consequences of Columbus’s voyages. It's a visually stunning film - that score by Ryuichi Sakamoto still gives me chills! – and prompts us to consider the perspectives of those already inhabiting the lands "discovered.” The ethical complexities are central to the narrative, which is important when revisiting such pivotal moments in history.

And let’s not forget the lighter side! “The Road to El Dorado" offers a comedic take on the trope, poking fun at the very notion of divine entitlement and exposing the absurdity of blindly following legends. It's silly, yes, but it also manages to offer a subtle commentary on how easily people can be swayed by appearances and promises, even if they’re wildly improbable – something that echoes throughout all these “discovery” narratives.

Ultimately, films exploring this "Age of Discovery" aren’t just about maps and ships; they are about the human drive—for wealth, for glory, for knowledge—and how that drive can simultaneously elevate us to incredible heights and plunge us into devastating depths. It's a theme as relevant today as it was centuries ago.

What do you think? Do any of these resonate with your own fascination with exploration and adventure?