There’s something oddly compelling about
stories of human beings who are seemingly
wired differently.
For those of us with more “normal” impulses,
the what’s-going-on-in-that-head question
is a real draw.
It’s one of the reasons serial killers command
so much attention.
Not that I’m comparing Alex Honnold to a
serial killer, but there is clearly something
different about the climbing legend’s mental
makeup, which is why the film spends so much
of its time examining his emotions - or lack
thereof.
Couple that fascinating plot with staggering
photography and you’ve got one of the best
documentaries ever made.
Free Solo tells the story of Honnold’s attempt
to become the first human to scale El Capitan,
the most imposing rock face on the planet,
without any protective equipment.
Crucially, it attempts to understand the “why”
of it all.
And while it doesn’t quite answer that question
fully, it gets close enough so that, by the
end, you’re so completely invested in the
prospect of this unmatched physical achievement
that you want him to do it
regardless of the risks.
The storytelling is remarkable as well.
For non-enthusiasts, it explains the particulars
and introduces you to the language of climbing
without pandering.
I cannot recommend Free Solo highly enough.
Its visuals are unmatched and its subject is so
unique an individual as to merit multiple films.
