VIFF Review: The Eye 3D—Life and Science at Cerro Paranal

The Eye 3D—Life and Science at Cerro Paranal
Park Theatre
Sunday, October 3 2010 4:00pm

A starry sky, over a barren red-brown rock strewn landscape. Not Mars, but Cerro Paranal, the mountain in the high desert of northern Chile on which the European Southern Observatory Very Large Telescope is located. Shot in effectively used 3D, the facility looks eerily like a prototype for a Martian colony.

This German documentary introduces us to life at one of the remotest and technologically sophisticated workplaces in the world. Each of the four main telescopes are housed in rotating structures the size of a six storey building. Taking care of such massive and delicate machinery requires a round the clock staff of engineers and technicians. Most of the scientists are here temporarily to make their observations and return with the data to their home research centres.

While some very important discoveries have been made here like the super-massive black hole at the centre of our galaxy, this film really focuses on working conditions and the narration seems aimed to a young audience. Adult and science savvy audiences will find the science content lacking. Questions to the scientists and staff elicit responses aimed at young people, especially women, to consider a career in the sciences.

Sharp eyed viewers will recognize the living quarters called the Residencia from the James Bond film Quantum of Solace.