A struggling mountain climber is striving to find a toehold on the vertical, rugged surface of a large glacier during a blinding snowstorm. The shot is taken from a low camera angle, looking up from the base of the glacier to emphasize the overwhelming scale of the ice wall and the enormity of the climber’s challenge. With a minimal depth of field, the climber is in sharp focus, the grainy texture of the ice is accentuated, and the rest of the scene blurs into an icy haze. The lighting is low, highlighting the peril of the situation and adding a sense of desperation to the scene. Intermittent flares of light are added by the climber’s torch that highlights the differing shades of the glacier, adding variability to an otherwise monochromatic image. The aperture is wide open, allowing for maximum light to illuminate the harsh, freezing conditions. The climber is placed offset to the right side of the frame, accentuating both the physical challenge and the solitary nature of this expedition. The scene is unbalanced, putting the audience on edge, aiding the cinematography in communicating the tense, desperate situation.