Free Solo | National Geographic Documentary - the Climbing of El Capitan (Yosemite)

raydm6

raydm6

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We all know Ansel Adams famous shot of El Capitan and his quote: “A good photograph is knowing where to stand.”.

I caught the tail end of this stunning film and will be watching again. Amazing cinematography. Not for the faint of heart and those with height issues :)
films.nationalgeographic.com

Free Solo

Free solo climber Alex Honnold prepares to achieve his lifelong dream: scaling Yosemite's 3,200-foot El Capitan without a rope.
films.nationalgeographic.com films.nationalgeographic.com



Interesting insight how this was shot - the cinematography is beautiful:
Drones are not allowed in Yosemite, which meant everything had to come from someone holding a camera. Chin, a professional climber with 20 years experience filming “in the vertical,” knew he would need a handful of cameramen with his level of experience to climb and shoot.
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www.indiewire.com

At 3,000 Feet, Shooting ‘Free Solo’ Was More Like ‘Mission: Impossible’ Than a Documentary

An inside look at how the crew behind the heart-stopping documentary shot the incredible footage of Alex Honnold's death-defying climb.
www.indiewire.com www.indiewire.com
 
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I am a huge climbing nerd, and got to see it when the film premiere was touring theaters. At the theatre we went to, Alex, Jimmy Chin (the cinematographer), and others from the cast and crew were there to do a short Q&A after the screening. The climbing of course speaks for itself, but Jimmy and the crew did an amazing job filming.
 
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MarkWalberg said:
I really want to see this movie in IMAX.
I love the part when he gets to the top and just says hello to the people there and walks on.
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That thought crossed my mind also. This film is perfect for that. Immersive.
 
raydm6 said:
That thought crossed my mind also. This film is perfect for that. Immersive.
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I don't think they filmed it in IMAX format, but seeing on a big screen is definitely immersive. During some of the scenes, I realized my thighs were (unconsciously) clenched.
 
I watched this at its premiere in North Wales. The audience was mostly climbers, some well known. It was fascinating but surprisingly stressful despite knowing the ending.
 
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MarkWalberg said:
They did make an IMAX version.
See Free Solo Climbs to New Heights with Special One-Week IMAX® Release Nationwide and in Canada, Starting Jan. 11 - National Geographic Partners
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Wow, watching an IMAX screening would be stunning! Reading the Indiewire article that @raydm6 linked in the original post, it was filmed in 4k with Canon C300 cine cameras:
...shooting in 4k with cinema cameras and lenses, including a large 17-120mm zoom. Each cameraman had to be his own independent unit, serving as rigger, AC, and focus puller, while also carrying his food and the supplies needed to shoot and climb for the day. Figuring out how to climb and shoot with a large, fully loaded Canon C300 was a challenge.
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If you enjoyed Free Solo, you might enjoy the Arc'teryx film Free as Can Be. It documents Jordan Cannon and old school hardman Mark Hudon's attempt to free climb Freerider, the route that Alex Honnold free soloed (via the Boulder Problem). Director Samuel Crossley was on the crew of Free Solo as additional cinematographer and second assistant camera. Alex has a cameo, of course, and there are some wonderful historical photos featured. One of the better climbing movies I've seen, highly recommended:

 
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