The film that won the Oscar for Best Documentary last year is impressive ("Free Solo"). It shows one of the greatest feats of human achievement -- a climb up the most difficult rock-wall in the world (El Capitan in Yosemite). Alex Honnold, a 30-year old climber, scaled 3,200 feet of vertical granite --and he did it WITHOUT A ROPE. The lack of safety gear meant any mistake he made would be his last. You don't plummet a thousand feet onto jagged rocks and live.
What's surprising and interesting about the film is its subtle examination of Alex's psyche. For example, it depicts his struggle to establish a romantic relationship with a girlfriend. Alex grew up in an emotionally barren home with a father who was autistic. His parents never said the word "love" so Alex has trouble opening up to his girlfriend. She's eager to forge an emotional bond with him but has to battle through his armor and confusion about personal relations.
The climax of the film is Alex's attempt at one of the hardest climbs in the world, without a net. The suspense is palpable.
The film triggers many reactions and is worth watching.
It makes me queasy just looking at that view! Talk about bravery - but also confidence in what you're doing. And the resolve to overcome any obstacle.
ReplyDeleteYup. He's almost super-human. In the film, he gets studied by scientists who discovery the fear-part of his brain takes more stimulus than normal people's to get activated.
DeleteI keep wanting to see this and I know he makes it but it doesn't mean it's any easier to watch. I feel stressed out by this photo alone.
ReplyDeleteYou're right -- you'll be on the edge of your seat the whole time he's climbing. Knowing he makes it doesn't make the suspense any less.
DeleteWe have this lined up on the PVR and will be watching it soon!
ReplyDeletePlease let me know what you think afterward.
DeleteMy boyfriend wants to watch this- Alex is seriously amazing!
ReplyDelete-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
A fascinating character. What I enjoyed about the movie is it's broader than just his athletic achievement: it examines his psyche and how that affects his relations with his family and girlfriend.
DeleteAs a serious sufferer from vertigo, I've got palpitations from just looking at that photo, so I don't think I could watch that documentary. I can't decide whether I think Alex is brave or just reckless ... xxx
ReplyDeleteIf you can watch the film, you'll come away with a firmer grasp of brave/reckless.
DeleteOh man, I'm afraid of heights...I don't know if I could watch this! But it also sounds so amazing!
ReplyDeleteTry it. You won't fall!
DeleteThis sounds like a really amazing movie. I have a SERIOUS fear of heights but hope I can watch it!
ReplyDeleteGive it a shot. Worst case is you fall off the couch. :)
DeleteAs someone who just dropped her phone on her face 10 seconds ago, I'm in awe! That tales serious strength.
ReplyDeleteI want to know how he felt afterwards. Was he triumphant or is he more even tempered than that? I wonder if he is autistic too?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendation. Will keep my eye out for it. (Just the one ;-)
xo Jazzy Jack
He was satisfied. His words were "I'm delighted" but they were said with muted emotion. He's not autistic but definitely a loner kind of guy. Doesn't display or communicate his emotions, something his girlfriend complains about.
DeleteIt is so interesting that so many of the most accomplished people have come from a background that has been complicated. People certainly do develop character in adversity. This film certainly sounds compelling and I appreciate that you shared this post.
ReplyDelete❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
Alex is a product of his bad childhood. You see that clearly.
DeleteLooks like an interesting film and a bit crazy! I often wonder when people do such dangerous stunts if they have a secret death wish.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
I can answer that, from personal experience. No, we do not have a death wish. It's the opposite: we have a LIFE wish. We want to live life to the fullest, far beyond what normal people want. Intensity and quality of life, not mere longevity. What's the point of a longer life if it's unfulfilling?
DeleteAlex explains in his story how he craves perfection: to do something in life that's hard to absolute perfection. I get that impulse.
A second distinction between us and the rest of you is we don't fear death to the same extent. It's a factor, but not one that stops us from doing what we value.
My husband really wants to see this but only really arty cinemas show it here and none are ever near us and at the weekends,there are engineering works on our trainline so getting up to London is a pain!
ReplyDeleteThat's too bad. I got the DVD from Netflix in the mail. (I still get their DVD's in addition to streaming because the DVD selection is much wider.)
DeleteThis is on my to be watched list!
ReplyDelete