Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 100 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Alex Honnold, Tommy Caldwell, Jimmy Chin, Cheyne Lempe, Mikey Schaefer, Sanni McCandless, Dierdre Wolownick, Peter Croft
Description: Alex Honnold attempts to become the first person to ever free solo climb El Capitan.
Review: Warning: to watch “Free Solo” you gotta have nerves of steel. This documentary follows the young climber Alex Honnold during his preparation to climb the mighty El Capitan. This steep, granite cliff is set in Yosemite National Park in California and has been popular with many adventurers. So what does Alex Honnold’s climb makeit so special? Simple: he wants to do it free solo, which means with no ropes or safety equipment.
Before he can do this, Alex has to train a lot. The climb to the top is divided in to different stages and all have challenges. Each segments asks for a different technique and Alex shows us the many ways he an climb it. He climbs it several times, with ropes, and he makes mistakes. If he does it free solo, one little mistake can be fatal.
What is it that makes someone want to do this? “Free Solo” starts with exploring the mindset of Alex. Alex ambitions have nothing to do with being macho, but it’s his exorbitant spirit. He has to climb El Cap free solo. And his lifestyle shows t. He lives in a van, which he has converted to a camper. He mainly eats canned food and his whole life is dedicated to his passion.
This lifestyle has it’s downsides. Alex finds it very difficult to open up to other people, which can mainly be seen in his relationship with girlfriend Sanni. When they buy their first house, he seems to be a little lost. Alex belongs in the wilderness.
When we get to the actual climb, the films is a true nail-biter. The way they filmed everything is amazing, no 3D-glasses needed. This final act of the film is the most spectacular one and you’re on the edge of your seat. It’s that exciting. The Academy Award for best documentary is very well-deserved.
Rating: 4 / 5
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