If you’re looking for an adrenaline-spiking, yet educational film experience, the documentary Free Solo is a must-see. Directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, this documentary follows the incredible story of professional climber Alex Honnold as he attempts to become the first person ever to scale Yosemite’s El Capitan peak without any safety equipment or ropes. It’s an awe-inspiring watch that has viewers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.
The Story Behind Free Solo
It all began with a short interview that photographer and filmmaker Jimmy Chin did with Alex Honnold in 2008. After hearing about his incredible idea of free soloing El Capitan—the 3,000 feet tall granite monolith in Yosemite National Park—Jimmy decided to follow him on his journey and document it along the way. From there, he and his wife Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi worked together to create a captivating film that not only showcased Honnold’s unbelievable climb but also explored his personal life and motivations behind it.
What Makes Free Solo Stand Out?
Free Solo stands out thanks to its stunning cinematography that captures every thrilling detail of Alex Honnold’s ascent up El Capitan. Every shot is beautiful and provides viewers with an immersive experience as they watch Honnold battle both physical and mental obstacles along the way. The documentary also dives deep into Honnold’s personal life which helps give context and insight into why he would take such an immense risk. By exploring his unique relationship with fear, love, loneliness, family, friends, and more, we get a better understanding of what drives him forward even when faced with impossibly difficult decisions.
The Impact of Free Solo
When released in September 2018, Free Solo quickly became one of the most popular documentaries in recent memory; it sold out theaters across the United States and went on to win numerous awards including Best Documentary at both the Oscars and Golden Globes. It’s no surprise then that many people have been inspired by Alex Honnold’s story, turning their attention towards climbing as well as other extreme sports like BASE jumping or skydiving. For others though, particularly those who are interested in adventure filmmaking or photography, this documentary serves as a reminder of how powerful stories can be when told through visuals that capture emotion in both breathtakingly beautiful ways and emotionally raw ones too.
Free Solo is a remarkable documentary directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin that follows professional climber Alex Honnold as he attempts to become the first person ever to scale Yosemite’s El Capitan peak without any safety equipment or ropes. This gripping adventure showcases stunning cinematography that captures every thrilling detail of Honnold’s ascent up El Capitan while also exploring his personal life which gives us insight into why he took such an immense risk. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or just want something exciting to watch tonight on Amazon Prime Video, this award-winning documentary should definitely be at the top of your list!