Next up in reviews of Oscar-nominated films, guest writer Dennis Larsen has a look at Free Solo.
Alex Honnold is a prolific free climber. He has taken on some of the worlds most difficult climbs and free climbs but there is still one on his list that he has yet to check off: Yosemite’s El Capitan. Achieving the climb would make him the first person to achieve scaling its face without the assistance of a rope.
But, despite his nomadic and reclusive nature, Alex has met a woman that has brought change to his adrenaline seeking world. Along with the hesitations from his fellow soloists and an anxious documentary crew, will he be able to endure the doubts around him and make it to the top of El Capitan?
If you watched 2015’s Meru, you will know what to expect with Free Solo. Visually stunning footage, insights into the climbers mind and brisk pacing. The difference is that this film doesn’t have any strings attached (pun intended). Whether or not you can quickly search in Google if Alex Honnold was successful in this free climb, the build up and perspectives offered in the film will make your palms sweat.
21st Century tech lent itself well to these filmmakers and it offers one of a kind visuals that you really should try to see on the biggest screen possible. By the time the credits rolled I found myself having to consciously unclench my jaw and unbuckle my knees.
My only criticism is that Alex is a little hard to connect with but I don’t think that is lack of effort by the filmmakers. He is an interesting guy that lives on a plane of determination that I will never understand. That one teeny tiny qualm aside, it’s a very enjoyable doc. Give it your time but just don’t disservice it by watching it on your cell phone.
Dennis Larsen reviews the good films, the bad films, and the perforations in between. Find more of his writing on instagram at theloveoffilm.