THE WILDEST DREAM (PG) traces the final steps of climber George Mallory in his ill-fated attempt to reach the summit of Mount Everest in May 1924. Through an attempt on the summit by two modern-day climbers, the film attempts to explain man s age-old obse

THE WILDEST DREAM (PG) traces the final steps of climber George Mallory in his ill-fated attempt to reach the summit of Mount Everest in May 1924.

Through an attempt on the summit by two modern-day climbers, the film attempts to explain man's age-old obsession with getting to the top of the world's highest peak.

The two climbers, Conrad Anker (who discovered Mallory's body on the mountain in 1999) and Lee Houlding, attempt to recreate the conditions Mallory experienced, to the extent of wearing period clothing. Mallory and his climbing partner Andrew "Sandy" Irving were last seen 800 feet below the summit and it has long been conjectured that they may have died on their way down, having reached the top.

And the film's main achievement is to show the sheer audacity of what they were trying to do.

Narrated by Liam Neeson, The Wildest Dream blends stunning footage of the mountain (see it in IMAX) with fascinating historical evidence.

- WILLIAM LEE

THE Wildest Dream is screening at the BFI IMAX, South Bank, SE1. For ticket details, go to www.bfi.org.uk/whatson/bfi_imax or call 0870 7872525.