Alex Honnold is not like you or me. Sure, the fact that he climbs mountains is
one of the obvious things that separate him from the pack, but even within the
climbing community, he’s regarded as unique. He climbs free solo (without
ropes, harnesses or any other safety devices), a method less than one percent of
mountaineers subscribe to. Some might
say he’s very determined; others call
him obsessed, and a few people think that he may very well have a death wish. As the focus of the gripping new National
Geographic documentary Free Solo, Honnold displays all of these traits in his effort to do that which has never
done before – climb the face of Yosemite’s
El Capitan, some 3200 feet, without the benefit of a rope.
This endeavor and the steps required to prepare for it are
meticulously captured by directors Jimmy Chen, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and
their crew, a fascinating examination of what goes into attempting a death-defying
feat of this sort. But more compelling
is the character study of Honnold, a young man with a unique perspective not
just on his chosen profession but of life and love as he’s encountered it.
Coming from a family in which his parents never used the
word “love” in addressing him with a father who was melancholy and never happy
unless he was traveling, Honnold proves to be an incredibly intelligent young
man who also happens to be emotionally stunted. Recognizing this, he describes
himself at times feeling like “a bottomless pit of self-loathing” and states
early on that he would choose climbing over a romantic partner anytime. This does not bode well for the budding
relationship that starts between him and Sanni McCandless, an impulsive young
woman who slipped Honnold her number at a book signing. He called, she
answered, they began dating and when she comes to spend time with him in his
van his response to this domestic change is that “she’s cute, small and doesn’t
take up too much room.” (In all fairness,
Mr. Romance also says she “livens up the place.”)
It becomes quickly apparent that Sanni’s presence may
jeopardize Honnold’s attempt on El Capitan. He’s hurt while training due to an
accident of her making. Of greater
concern is that he may start to become more cautious – which could lead to a
fatal mistake – while climbing due to an emotional bond he’s starting to feel for
Sanni or that she’s foisting upon him. It’s
never really clear which is the case as Honnold is not adept at voicing his
feelings, but you can tell there’s obviously something amiss.
Yet, it’s obvious that Honnold would much rather be on the
side of a mountain, hanging precariously from miniscule hand and footholds than
dealing with anything as emotionally messy as a girlfriend or the threat of
traditional domesticity. The young man is never more alive than when he’s facing
death, and his elation is terrifying.
Early on, Chen and Vasarhelyi recount how many other free solo climbers
have died and a sense of foreboding, that the clock is ticking on Honnold, sets
in. That his quest for this personal
high may lead to his death is a constant concern.
The grandeur and terror of El Capitan is brilliantly
captured by the film’s crew, who become key players in the drama as well. Friends
with Honnold, Chen and the others express concern for his well-being but are
also worried that their presence will prove distracting and could result in a
fatal misstep, an issue the climber himself voices. In the end, the images that
are captured are astounding and effectively underscore the danger this endeavor
poses.
Meant to be seen on the largest screen possible, “Free Solo”
is far more than a chronicle of an amazing physical feat; it’s an examination
of one man’s quest for fulfillment.
There’s a need that lurks in Honnold, a desire that can only be sated
when he pushes himself to the very limit.
As he says, “It feels good to feel perfect.” Here’s hoping his quest for that feeling
abates before it’s too late.
This article appears in Jan 24-30, 2019.
