I really wanted to see all the documentary feature nominees before the ceremony but I miserably failed as it was the Oscars day and had seen none. So last Sunday afternoon —the ceremony is on Monday morning here— I decided to watch at least one and I went with Free Solo because I had read somewhere that it was going to win. And so did it. Did it deserve it though? I'm not sure as I'm yet to see the other nominees.
Anyways, Free Solo is a biographical documentary about Alex Honnold, an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls, and it focuses on his 2017 climb of Yosemite's 3000 foot El Captain without ropes or safety gear.
As we follow Honnold on his book tour, him giving speeches and his preparation to free soloing El Captain, we learn why he does what he does, how much work, both physical and mental, there is behind climbing, and the impact his relationship with his girlfriend has and whether a it can withstand the stress of such a high-risking life.
The documentary works as a character study a very interesting figure. Unlike the climbers I've seen so far —on film because I'm not into climbing at all— Alex is a shy, quiet, quirky —who eats with a spatula straight from the pan?—,socially-awkward guy with a charming smile. He is also selfish though —he doesn't give a damn about other people and, talking about his girlfriend he says that if he dies, she'll find someone else, forget about him like it's not that big a deal— and at times comes off as a spoiled, selfish kid. He is a simple guy whowas lucky has what it takes to turn a passion into his future. His incredible climbings brought him success and money and, instead of showing off his wealth and fame, he started a non-profit organization that brings technology such as solar energy to impoverished communities.
It comes without saying that the cinematography in Free Solo is gorgeous, breathtaking as it captures both the beauty and dangerousness of Yosemite and nature in general.
Unfortunately, while Honnold is an interesting character, and the photography is stunning, Free Solo didn't quite work for me. I had never heard of Honnold before so I didn't know whether he'd make it or not, but it felt as if I knew it already as the film lacks that palpable sense of tension and suspense a movie like this should have. I did freak out a little and wonder how Honnold and people like him even manage to do such things but only because I suffer from vertigo and therefore I would never do this myself. Also, it wasn't always as compelling as it should have been —I was bored at some points, to be honest.
The documentary works as a character study a very interesting figure. Unlike the climbers I've seen so far —on film because I'm not into climbing at all— Alex is a shy, quiet, quirky —who eats with a spatula straight from the pan?—,socially-awkward guy with a charming smile. He is also selfish though —he doesn't give a damn about other people and, talking about his girlfriend he says that if he dies, she'll find someone else, forget about him like it's not that big a deal— and at times comes off as a spoiled, selfish kid. He is a simple guy who
It comes without saying that the cinematography in Free Solo is gorgeous, breathtaking as it captures both the beauty and dangerousness of Yosemite and nature in general.
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| National Geographic Documentary Films |
Unfortunately, while Honnold is an interesting character, and the photography is stunning, Free Solo didn't quite work for me. I had never heard of Honnold before so I didn't know whether he'd make it or not, but it felt as if I knew it already as the film lacks that palpable sense of tension and suspense a movie like this should have. I did freak out a little and wonder how Honnold and people like him even manage to do such things but only because I suffer from vertigo and therefore I would never do this myself. Also, it wasn't always as compelling as it should have been —I was bored at some points, to be honest.
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