Just saw Free Solo - Doc on Alex Honnold

[Chickenman Testa]

”Riveting” perfectly captures the last 20 minutes of this film of Honnold centered around him Free soloing (I.e. climbing without a rope or any protection) El Capitan in Yosemite. The last 20 minutes are as engrossing (in a different way) as the first 10-15 minutes of Saving Private Ryan.

He is a fascinating character. Clearly on the autism spectrum (I speak from personal experience and I was entirely not surprised whe it was mentioned that his dad had Asbergers), his interaction with his girlfriend is alternatively funny and cringeworthy.

He will likely die sometime doing what he is seemingly biologically driven to do, but his climb is epic stuff

 

[ILLINOISLION]

”Riveting” perfectly captures the last 20 minutes of this film of Honnold centered around him Free soloing (I.e. climbing without a rope or any protection) El Capitan in Yosemite. The last 20 minutes are as engrossing (in a different way) as the first 10-15 minutes of Saving Private Ryan.

He is a fascinating character. Clearly on the autism spectrum (I speak from personal experience and I was entirely not surprised whe it was mentioned that his dad had Asbergers), his interaction with his girlfriend is alternatively funny and cringeworthy.

He will likely die sometime doing what he is seemingly biologically driven to do, but his climb is epic stuff

Read the review yesterday, looking forward to seeing it. Think It’s best that I don’t eat before or during the movie, gotta find a theater with seat belts.

Yosemite is absolutely beautiful, was first there when I was about 10 years old.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

Read the review yesterday, looking forward to seeing it. Think It’s best that I don’t eat before or during the movie, gotta find a theater with seat belts.

Yosemite is absolutely beautiful, was first there when I was about 10 years old.

There’s some serious Yosemite-porn throughout. Yeah, I don’t think I unclenched the last 20 minutes even though I knew he made it

 

[ILLINOISLION]

There’s some serious Yosemite-porn throughout. Yeah, I don’t think I unclenched the last 20 minutes even though I knew he made it

I think he was the climber that was on “60 Minutes” maybe a year - 18 months ago. I think I crawled out of my recliner when that segment was over and I had trouble with balance when on my feet for the rest of the evening.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

Bump. Saw this doc again today. It’s a must see guys

 

[Lion8286]

 

[fkkkjm]

Yeah I would love to see him hang up the gear at this point. Such an unreal talent and such an unreal level of risk.

 

[Relayer]

Is there a better human physical feat in our lifetime better than this?

 

[Chickenman Testa]

Yeah I would love to see him hang up the gear at this point. Such an unreal talent and such an unreal level of risk.

The scenes with him and his girlfriend are hilarious. She’s trying to get “hand” in that relationship, but never will.

 

[ras5051]

It’s an incredible documentary, I saw it at the rangos theater in the Carnegie science center a few weeks ago.

I started climbing at the local gym in Pittsburgh a little over a year ago and I’d say I’m maybe intermediate skill level.. I’ve been to the gym 70ish times for a little more than an hour each time.. my arms are completely shot after an hour of climbing.. it’s almost impossible to comprehend climbing 3200 ft in just under 4 hours.. with no ropes or no breaks.. when people climb at the gym, you typically climb for like a minute or two (or less), then take a break for a few minutes, then try a new route.

I’d agree that it’s the greatest physical feat that I’ll probably ever witness

 

[ILLINOISLION]

It’s an incredible documentary, I saw it at the rangos theater in the Carnegie science center a few weeks ago.

I started climbing at the local gym in Pittsburgh a little over a year ago and I’d say I’m maybe intermediate skill level.. I’ve been to the gym 70ish times for a little more than an hour each time.. my arms are completely shot after an hour of climbing.. it’s almost impossible to comprehend climbing 3200 ft in just under 4 hours.. with no ropes or no breaks.. when people climb at the gym, you typically climb for like a minute or two (or less), then take a break for a few minutes, then try a new route.

I’d agree that it’s the greatest physical feat that I’ll probably ever witness

My arms get tired from hanging onto the railing trying to climb from my basement to the ground floor!

 

[cool1099]

Won Academy Award for best documentary. Not only best documentary, but the best picture of the year and maybe greatest athletic achievement of all time.

 

[Player2BNamedL8r]

I know it was frequently panned, but I really enjoyed the movie.

 

[Waste Management Consultant]

This guy is an absolute freak, I remember on that 60 minutes clip he was whistling while he was climbing and basically holding on with one hand while reaching for chalk in a container around his back all while 2000 feet straight up a sheer face cliff of half-dome in Yosemite. Probably didn’t even raise his heart rate...

 

[Relayer]

Just a reminder that Free Solo is airing tonight on National Geographic channel at 9.

 

[TangSoo]

Free Solo was amazing. Tommy Caldwell has a significant role in Free Solo, and after a little poking around I found that he also has a documentary out called 'The Dawn Wall'. It's not quite as riveting as Free Solo, but a great documentary nonetheless. I won't give anything away, but Tommy Caldwell's story is pretty remarkable.

 

[PSU Soupy]

Greatest human athletic accomplishments

1) Barkley run versus USC
2) Free Solo guy going up El Capitan
3) Dr. Bannister breaking the 4:00 minute mile

 

[Chickenman Testa]

This guy is an absolute freak, I remember on that 60 minutes clip he was whistling while he was climbing and basically holding on with one hand while reaching for chalk in a container around his back all while 2000 feet straight up a sheer face cliff of half-dome in Yosemite. Probably didn’t even raise his heart rate...

Yeah, the MRI of his brain was pretty telling. Almost no fear response for him.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

Great film, and an unbelievable accomplishment. Where does he go from there?

 

[delcoLion]

Wow, that was amazing. To see him prep for the climb was also amazing. "... right thumb here... crossover..." etc. Every step was planned.

I don't get the girlfriend but YMMV.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

Great film, and an unbelievable accomplishment. Where does he go from there?

Downhill?

(But I honestly and seriously hope not!)

 

[throw2oj]

With Free Solo getting awards the previous doc Meru popped up and i watched that. Kinda preferred it, actually. Something about the Himalayas that is another level.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

Relayer, thanks for the reminder that this was on tonight. Had seen the Sixty Minutes segment on him last year, but nothing.....ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.....can prepare anyone to watch this presentation.

I can’t even begin to describe my emotions as I watched this tonight. MUST SEE TV!

 

[ericstratton-rushchairman]

Just finished as well... not sure I am going to sleep well tonight. Outstanding documentary

 

[ILLINOISLION]

Just finished as well... not sure I am going to sleep well tonight. Outstanding documentary

Just trying to walk from the tv room to my bedroom was a challenge.....trying not to fall out of bed tonight.

 

[BBrown]

”Riveting” perfectly captures the last 20 minutes of this film of Honnold centered around him Free soloing (I.e. climbing without a rope or any protection) El Capitan in Yosemite. The last 20 minutes are as engrossing (in a different way) as the first 10-15 minutes of Saving Private Ryan.

He is a fascinating character. Clearly on the autism spectrum (I speak from personal experience and I was entirely not surprised whe it was mentioned that his dad had Asbergers), his interaction with his girlfriend is alternatively funny and cringeworthy.

He will likely die sometime doing what he is seemingly biologically driven to do, but his climb is epic stuff

I watched it last night on the National Geographic Chanel. I thought it was outstanding. The cinematography was stunning and frankly (for someone who has "height" issues) pretty scary. I think I got vertigo just watching some of the scenes.

 

[lj4heisman1]

Greatest human athletic accomplishments

1) Barkley run versus USC
2) Free Solo guy going up El Capitan
3) Dr. Bannister breaking the 4:00 minute mile

I'm sorry but there's got to be something from Chuck Norris on that list

 

[Hugh Manatee]

It’s an incredible documentary, I saw it at the rangos theater in the Carnegie science center a few weeks ago.

I started climbing at the local gym in Pittsburgh a little over a year ago and I’d say I’m maybe intermediate skill level.. I’ve been to the gym 70ish times for a little more than an hour each time.. my arms are completely shot after an hour of climbing.. it’s almost impossible to comprehend climbing 3200 ft in just under 4 hours.. with no ropes or no breaks.. when people climb at the gym, you typically climb for like a minute or two (or less), then take a break for a few minutes, then try a new route.

I’d agree that it’s the greatest physical feat that I’ll probably ever witness

ras,
I recently started climbing at a local gym. I’m looking for something to replace basketball as I am getting to old to play full court and want a full body workout with less impact. Do you feel it’s a good workout on it’s own or do you do some other workout in addition?

Thanks!

 

[PSU Soupy]

ras,
I recently started climbing at a local gym. I’m looking for something to replace basketball as I am getting to old to play full court and want a full body workout with less impact. Do you feel it’s a good workout on it’s own or do you do some other workout in addition?

Thanks!

You probably will not get as much cardio but core, upper body, Hand strength through the roof.

Climbing plus elliptical, swimming or bike may give you more of a balanced workout for us guys getting up in age. I cannot play full court anymore but I swim and lift 2 -4 times a week depending on work schedule.

 

[Rhino80]

I moved out west, in large part to be closer to better climbing. I've done Denali a few times and do technical and free climbing 4 or 5 times a week. When I watch documentaries about Everest etc , it looks worse that it really is. Having been in similar situations, I feel like I know what the folks in the doc are going through.

This was different. I've climbed EL CAP with riggings. Its scary as hell even when you know you cant fall. This is way worse than it even looked in the doc. That guy is insane. I'm glad he made it. I'm not sure how that film crew could have lived with themselves if he fell. In the world of climbing , this is like batting .750 on the season in MLB.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

I moved out west, in large part to be closer to better climbing. I've done Denali a few times and do technical and free climbing 4 or 5 times a week. When I watch documentaries about Everest etc , it looks worse that it really is. Having been in similar situations, I feel like I know what the folks in the doc are going through.

This was different. I've climbed EL CAP with riggings. Its scary as hell even when you know you cant fall. This is way worse than it even looked in the doc. That guy is insane. I'm glad he made it. I'm not sure how that film crew could have lived with themselves if he fell. In the world of climbing , this is like batting .750 on the season in MLB.

Cool. Just went down a worm hole reading about climber Mugs Stump who pioneered climbs in Alaska and BC. From being born in a fishing camp in Mifflintown, to Penn State football in the late 60s, to world class climber.

 

[NitneLiun]

It’s an incredible documentary, I saw it at the rangos theater in the Carnegie science center a few weeks ago.

I started climbing at the local gym in Pittsburgh a little over a year ago and I’d say I’m maybe intermediate skill level.. I’ve been to the gym 70ish times for a little more than an hour each time.. my arms are completely shot after an hour of climbing.. it’s almost impossible to comprehend climbing 3200 ft in just under 4 hours.. with no ropes or no breaks.. when people climb at the gym, you typically climb for like a minute or two (or less), then take a break for a few minutes, then try a new route.

I’d agree that it’s the greatest physical feat that I’ll probably ever witness

If you never climbed on actual rock, you are not at an intermediate level. You aren't even a climber. Sorry, but that's just the way it is.

 

[cavic]

”Riveting” perfectly captures the last 20 minutes of this film of Honnold centered around him Free soloing (I.e. climbing without a rope or any protection) El Capitan in Yosemite. The last 20 minutes are as engrossing (in a different way) as the first 10-15 minutes of Saving Private Ryan.

He is a fascinating character. Clearly on the autism spectrum (I speak from personal experience and I was entirely not surprised whe it was mentioned that his dad had Asbergers), his interaction with his girlfriend is alternatively funny and cringeworthy.

He will likely die sometime doing what he is seemingly biologically driven to do, but his climb is epic stuff

My now ex-brother-in-law & Alex used to climb together (roped-in) pretty regularly when Alex was preparing for the first free solo of Half Dome. There's a pretty good shorter documentary about that climb.

Of course, his accomplishments are mind-blowing. And by my sis & ex-husband's account, he is an extremely humble, decent guy (&, as you observe, likely has A.S.D.)

All that said, I'm annoyed by all of this. If he continues doing this, he will die. It will be cold comfort to say he died doing what he loved.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

My now ex-brother-in-law & Alex used to climb together (roped-in) pretty regularly when Alex was preparing for the first free solo of Half Dome. There's a pretty good shorter documentary about that climb.

Of course, his accomplishments are mind-blowing. And by my sis & ex-husband's account, he is an extremely humble, decent guy (&, as you observe, likely has A.S.D.)

All that said, I'm annoyed by all of this. If he continues doing this, he will die. It will be cold comfort to say he died doing what he loved.

I hear you. Hopefully he decides not to have kids if he continues to do it. Too many “extreme” athletes have left children fatherless (and motherless) because they couldn’t stop.

 

[anon_1eeb2b426hv3y]

Is there a better human physical feat in our lifetime better than this?

Better would be hard to establish. But more awe-inspiring? What could top that? Maybe some of the squirrel-suit flying stuff...

I’d say some of Lance’s cycling feats would rank up there but for the ‘roids...

 

[ras5051]

If you never climbed on actual rock, you are not at an intermediate level. You aren't even a climber. Sorry, but that's just the way it is.

Boom!! you really laid the hammer on me!! That's fine, you are entitled to your own opinion, I was simply comparing my skill level to the hundreds of people I've seen in the gym. The point wasn't for me to brag, it was to give some perspective on what he accomplished based on my experience of putting 100+ hours into climbing. I realize that in the grand scheme of things, that is not a lot of time, but that's about 100+ hours more than most of the people reading this thread have put into climbing.

 

[MJG-90]

Did it mention anywhere how many hours he put in on that wall just figuring out the path he'd take? I watched it twice and didn't hear that mentioned.

 

[Nitwit]

I thought Alex cane off as a bit of a self absorbed jerk. I hope his girlfriend gets out of that relationship and finds a real man.

 

[ras5051]

ras,
I recently started climbing at a local gym. I’m looking for something to replace basketball as I am getting to old to play full court and want a full body workout with less impact. Do you feel it’s a good workout on it’s own or do you do some other workout in addition?

Thanks!

I agree with what PSU Soupy said.. If weight loss is a goal, I don't think that you will be losing much weight, since you won't be getting the cardio workout... But, there are some routes that are very challenging that you will be breathing pretty hard after you finish it.

It's an excellent forearm/upperbody/core workout, but if overall health is the goal, you may want to supplement it with elliptical/swimming (don't have the impact on the knees). I'm training for a marathon now, but I know that someday, I'll most likely need to switch to an elliptical, just because the beating my knees take from running.

 

[The Spin Meister]

Did it mention anywhere how many hours he put in on that wall just figuring out the path he'd take? I watched it twice and didn't hear that mentioned.

---
Didn't hear that either but there were clips of him practicing several moves while roped in that were shot over a couple of years time. And just about every hand holds he used was covered with chalk meaning they have been used by him and others for years.

He used well known pathways and hand holds. Practiced them a lot. But doing it freestyle with zero margin of error is completely different. An amazing feat.

I can easily walk along a 2x4 a foot off the ground. Put it five feet in the air and it gets tougher. Put it ten feat in the air and its all most impossible for me. Making that climb freestyle is near impossible...and he made it look relatively easy.