Sir David Attenborough’s Top Documentaries Revealed
Sir David Attenborough, a celebrated figure in British broadcasting, has dedicated decades to showcasing the natural world’s wonders through captivating documentaries. To commemorate his 90th birthday in 2016, the BBC broadcasted a selection of four personal favourites, highlighting programmes that the esteemed natural historian felt had endured despite advancements in filmmaking technology.
Reflecting on these choices, Attenborough noted, “Naturally, with modern equipment, there are aspects one might approach differently today. However, remarkably, not significantly so. Perfection is elusive, yet one or two of these still resonate as quite accomplished.” Contrary to expectations, his most cherished documentary isn’t from the acclaimed Planet Earth series or his climate change programmes, but rather a 2000 production titled The Lost Gods of Easter Island.
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David Attenborough’s Favourite: The Lost Gods of Easter Island
The Lost Gods of Easter Island originated from a chance acquisition that propelled Attenborough on an extraordinary expedition. In the 1990s, while perusing a New York auction, he encountered an intriguing wooden figurine that immediately captivated him.
Speaking to RadioTimes, he recounted: “I’ve always been drawn to collecting, and this particular figure, described in the auction catalogue as being from Easter Island, piqued my interest. The estimated value suggested the auctioneers suspected it was inauthentic. However, I believed it to be of greater significance.”
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Driven to ascertain the object’s true origins, Attenborough commenced an investigation, tentatively linking it to the era of Captain Cook around 1771.
He elaborated, “The challenge was substantiating such a claim. This programme narrates our pursuit of that proof, a journey that led us to one of Earth’s most isolated civilisations.”
Second Choice: A Blank on the Map
Attenborough’s second preferred documentary is the 1971 series A Blank on the Map. This adventure-filled production saw him venture into the uncharted rainforests of New Guinea.
His fascination with early explorers inspired him to authentically recreate their experiences as a natural historian.
He explained: “As a child, I was engrossed by tales of pioneering explorers like Livingstone, all of whom relied on walking. Until approximately 1920, exploration primarily involved traversing landscapes on foot, predating widespread aeroplane or car travel.”
Despite the expedition primarily consisting of arduous jungle treks, Attenborough vividly recalled a remarkable encounter with a pygmy individual on his final day in the rainforest. “Adorned with feathers through his nose, an elaborate hat, a wig, blackened teeth, and wielding a spear, he simply observed me. That instant of encountering someone with no prior exposure to Europeans remains indelible,” he shared.
Darwin’s Enduring Legacy: Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life
Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life, released in 2009, was the third documentary Attenborough selected for BBC Two. This film celebrated the pioneering scientific contributions of Charles Darwin.
Attenborough intentionally concentrated on the enduring impact of Darwin’s discoveries, rather than delving into the scientist’s personal affairs.
He conveyed, “Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection undeniably transformed natural history. It shifted from a mere collection of species to a cohesive, logical narrative – one readily comprehensible.”
“Darwin’s insights render the world logical and understandable. Nature is not just an assortment of peculiar anomalies; there’s rationale behind the existence of a duck-billed platypus or the geographic distribution of hummingbirds. Grasping this enhances the enchantment of the natural world, making it even more captivating.”
Exploring Palaeontology: Lost Worlds, Vanished Lives
Finally, Attenborough’s fourth favourite programme is Lost Worlds, Vanished Lives, broadcast in 1989. Attenborough’s lifelong captivation with fossils served as the impetus for this docu-series, guiding viewers to some of the globe’s most significant fossil locations.
His passion for fossils ignited during childhood, collecting them in Leicestershire. He reminisced, “The concept of splitting a rock to reveal something unseen for 350 million years, perfectly preserved… it’s genuinely magical.”
For him, fossils epitomise the essence of natural history. “Initially, identification might be uncertain, prompting classification – determining gender or species. It’s an entryway into a multitude of avenues,” he added.
“I still regard fossils as some of the most captivating objects imaginable. I have a profound affection for them.”