The Alpinist [DVD] [2021]

The seller shipped out right away. I have no problem with the service, just the fact that the "warning" that this particular bluray DOES NOT play in American or basically any other blu ray players I thought was very misleading. I do love the return policy. But I learned to really double and triple check and go back and check again for any added disclaimers.

The comparisons to "Free Solo" and "The Alpinist" are fair but they're actually worlds apart. Marc-André Leclerc is in a class of his own and it's not a single peak he's after, it's the peaks that have yet to be conquered. Marc-André is shrouded in mystery but in his initial on screen interviews he comes across as a respectable young man. The parallels with Alex Honnold from "Free Solo" are evident. Both suffer from social issues and ADHD, surely there's something more to this than coincidence but the documentary doesn't go further. Marc-André is more focused than Alex in many ways. He has a very calming nature about him that is disarming and peaceful so as a viewer, I really wanted to go along with him. In "Free Solo" I wasn't a fan of the subject's personality or his clingy girlfriend... something Marc-André also shares. Marc-André's girlfriend Brett, is a true partner as she climbs step by step with him on some thrilling climbs which was impressive. As the film goes on I also felt somewhat like a partner, taking steps with Marc-André. The peaks he's climbing are just breathtaking...and frightening. He prefers to climb solo, so much so that even the presence of a camera would negate his accomplishments. The film's climax is a peak located at the bottom tip of Argentina. Marc-André's first attempt was wisely abandoned. Yet, he decided to go again during a weather break and... I'll leave my review right there. No spoilers here. Very engrossing film and makes one look back at their own life's accomplishments. Highest recommendation.

Having seen 'Free Solo' , the film about the free climber Alex Honnold, I didn't think I'd ever see anything as gut wrenching as when he literally walked up the last pitch of El Capitan. Talk about 'don't fall now' - it was amazing and terrifying.So, up steps this total unknown Canadian called Marc-Andre Leclerc.Unlike Honnold who plans and even trains for his rope free ascents on ropes right down to the smallest detail, Leclerc climbs 'on sight' - he goes to the mountain, finds it as it is and just gets going - up he goes and starts to climb.Leclerc climbs everything - including ice falls. Like Honnold, when he gets to a sketchy pitch he panics maybe but then rationalises his way through it (remember though he is climbing 'on sight').Leclerc has spent a lot of time on his own climbing and it shows in a number of ways.Firstly, I've never seen such an unorthodox climber in my life. He does things I've never seen done before - things that if you were (say) climbing with a mentor, the mentor would have removed from your skill set very quickly (climbing on one's own means really that there is no mentorship of any kind). The way for example he hangs an un-chorded ice pick around his neck so that he can use just one pick to get through a section is just incredible to watch but also has an element of craziness about it.Secondly he is minimalist in terms of equipment - you see a lot of rope free climbing and very little in terms of friends and other equipment.Thirdly however - and he shares this too with Honnold - he is actually very careful on the face - VERY careful - if you watch closely he is constantly testing footholds, crampon holds, handholds and pick holds all of the time. And another thing is the pace and rhythm of his climbing - it is not rushed and it is gentle - I would say that he prowls around a mountain rather like cat would. That is that every move is graceful and deliberate in order to cause the least disturbance around him - it's as though he is checking the reaction/response of the mountain to his own movements. To see him calmly checking pick and foot holds whilst NOT roped in on ascent on a crux is just incredible - a mix of admiration but also disbelief fills your head.This aspect comes sharply into focus when you see him pulling up onto an ice spur with his ice picks on a really high pitch with no rope or protection that I can see. To be honest, Leclerc could have died right there in front of the cameraman if the ice had given way. But he INSERTS the ice picks - he does not whack them in and his movement albeit fluid is so gentle and measured so that its impact on the ice was kept to a minimum - and it had to be.Honnold's safety angle on his free-soloing is his detailed preparation; Leclerc's is this empathetic, respectful controlled way he has of climbing as if the mountain does not even know he is there!It's all stunning stuff filmed in the most beautiful scenery.And then there is Leclerc himself, his Mum and his girlfriend Brette. Leclerc begins as rather taciturn and enigmatic to begin with but does open up about his inner feelings about what he does which is really useful. He is absolutely in love with climbing - no doubt about it and his mother deserves credit for fostering his talent and the life that came out of it.Leclerc actually dies towards the end of the film but dies in a way that is all too common - he gets killed by avalanche on a rope in another un-filmed climb with a partner which shows that uncontrollable, unpredictable aspect of climbing that got Joe Simpson all passionately riled up in 'This Game of Ghosts' - wondering if it were all worth it. The contradictions in mountaineering are all too self evident once again.What is interesting and poignant is the innocence on display. Both Leclerc and Brette - so emboldened by their love and their technical prowess seemed oblivious to the risks in way - a product of their youth perhaps. But it also shows us that in alpinism, no matter what technical prowess you possess, matters such as avalanches, rock falls etc., unfortunately can still and do have the final say. Leclerc's death brings Brette down to earth and a much fuller appreciation of her soul mate in the end. Her pain will I hope enable her to grow as a person and a mountaineer.What stands out for me is Leclerc's unorthodoxy and his naturalness with it in a world that insists on orthodoxy. He very much formed his own path.Leclerc made his own world and we are but interlopers in it. I'm glad he allowed us to share it with him. He was harmless, humble, in tune with whatever environment he was in, but driven. If only more of our species could say that!May God Bless him.Highly Recommended.

Wonderful cinematography and a inspiring and emotional tale . And pulls no punches with the details and horror of the sport

Well, Free Solo was a great movie but what he got up to however amazing it was ... wait until you see this!

Really great movie and really well made. It documents a great reminder of the risks every alpinist takes. To accept life, you must accept death.

Unbelievable there are no other words takes mountaineering to the impossible