Review of Free Solo (2018) by Bill Y — 13 Nov 2018

Rock Climbing Snuff Film. Rock climber Alex Honnold attempts the extremely difficult task of scaling the face of El Capitan (a 3,000 foot rock wall) in Yosemite National Park. The twist/gimmick - he's climbing without any protection; a style of climbing known as free soloing.

The movie is beautifully filmed and incredibly suspenseful; and Honnold is a fascinating individual who's feat (Spoiler Alert - He makes it!) just might be the greatest physical and emotional accomplishment of any athlete, ever.

The problem is, upon reflection, this viewer was depressed. As night follows day, Honnold will continually push himself, seeking greater and greater challenges. He will die. And his accomplishments, in the end, will be hollow.

Great climbing is about expanding one's skill, man's knowledge of nature and the development of the sport of rock climbing. Honnold's accomplishment is no more than a self-serving, egotistical exercise.

Worse, this film glorifies a reckless, suicidal act that goes against the core principle underlying great rock climbing - pushing oneself to accomplish incredible feats, while doing it safely. It takes incredible skill and knowledge to climb with zero risk (which includes protecting the fingers).

Note to young climbers: If you're taking risks, you're climbing wrong.