Genre-bending documentarian Herzog is known for his oblique approach to his subjects, and Antarctica proves no exception. Here we find the director defying expectations on what a film on Antarctica will reveal (Herzog himself criticizes that such films typically only scratch the surface with showcases of "fluffy penguins"). And while filming in Antarctica is usually overseen by the National Science Foundation's media office, Herzog's grant from the NSF's Artists and Writers Program allowed him to film without oversight. This allowed him to capture unique and even troubling scenes, such as the "seal-bagging" footage, which is not typically deemed suitable for public release.
Herzog and cinematographer Peter Zeitlinger go to Antarctica to meet people who live and work there, and to capture footage of the continent's unique locations. Herzog's voiceover narration explains that his film will not be a typical Antarctica film about "fluffy penguins," but will explore the dreams of the people and the landscape
