The Alpinist

Name: The Alpinist
Genre: Documentary
Released: September 10, 2021
Duration: 82 min
Rating: 67
Cast: Alex Honnold, Brette Harrington, Marc-Andre Leclerc, Peter Mortimer, Reinhold Messner

2021

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 13 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 18 Ratings

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7.6

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7.6	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 18 Ratings

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The Alpinist

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Movie Details & Credits

Universal Pictures Content Group | Release Date: September 10, 2021 | PG-13

Starring: Alex Honnold, Brette Harrington, Marc-Andre Leclerc, Peter Mortimer, Reinhold Messner

Summary: Marc-André Leclerc climbs alone, far from the limelight. On remote alpine faces, the free-spirited 23-year-old Canadian makes some of the boldest solo ascents in history. Yet, he draws scant attention. With no cameras, no rope, and no margin for error, Leclerc's approach is the essence of solo adventure. Nomadic and publicity shy, heMarc-André Leclerc climbs alone, far from the limelight. On remote alpine faces, the free-spirited 23-year-old Canadian makes some of the boldest solo ascents in history. Yet, he draws scant attention. With no cameras, no rope, and no margin for error, Leclerc's approach is the essence of solo adventure. Nomadic and publicity shy, he doesn’t own a phone or car, and is reluctant to let a film crew in on his pure vision of climbing. Veteran filmmaker Peter Mortimer (The Dawn Wall) sets out to make a film about Leclerc but struggles to keep up with his elusive subject. Then, Leclerc embarks on a historic adventure in Patagonia that will redefine what is possible in solo climbing.… Expand

Director: Nick Rosen and Peter Mortimer

Genre(s): Documentary

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 82 min

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Critic Reviews

Christopher Machell

Sep 23, 2021

The footage of Leclerc ascending sheer, near-featureless sheets of rock is so defiant of physics that it is easy to forget just how mind-bogglingly dangerous it is. Read full review

Donald Clarke

Sep 27, 2021

A fine yarn that arcs towards a memorable denouement. Read full review

The Observer (UK) Wendy Ide

Oct 14, 2021

A portrait of a man who, as one of his contemporaries remarked, feels almost too comfortable on the side of a mountain. Read full review

Michael O'Sullivan

Sep 8, 2021

There is a revealing narrative here: a conflict, a climax and a denouement that you may not expect. The Alpinist has built-in drama, simply by virtue of who and what it sets out to document. Read full review

Trace Sauveur

Sep 1, 2021

The Alpinist works as a moving testament to Leclerc’s incredible life and the art of alpinism itself, while even finding time to tactfully wrestle with the difficult reconciliation of the reckless danger versus the peerless beauty of such an undertaking. Read full review

Marina Ashioti

Oct 4, 2021

It’s the enigma of Marc-André that makes this such a compelling documentary. Read full review

Mike D'Angelo

Sep 8, 2021

This is a movie, not a book or feature article. And having a subject who largely refuses to cooperate, thereby forcing the filmmakers to sit around at home and relate much of what happens indirectly, doesn’t exactly make for a classic. Read full review

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User Reviews

Qeu

Dec 29, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The story of a man who knew how to live life the way its meant to. So solid and simple the best kind of life.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

jeffw38

Sep 26, 2021

This was an extraordinary movie. If you enjoyed “Free Solo” about Alex Honnold ascent of El Cap without a rope, you will thoroughly appreciate this documentary. The staggering climbs LeClerc successfully completed are off the charts in every way possible. I could go on and on about thisThis was an extraordinary movie. If you enjoyed “Free Solo” about Alex Honnold ascent of El Cap without a rope, you will thoroughly appreciate this documentary. The staggering climbs LeClerc successfully completed are off the charts in every way possible. I could go on and on about this film. I won’t divulge the ending. I didn’t know it until I saw this the other day. Check it out. You won’t be disappointed.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

sidetrips

Sep 25, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Intense. Beautiful. Emotional. Stunning. Uplifting. Inspirational. Heartbreaking.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Saul2021

Oct 2, 2021

Incredible story and incredible achievement. Just understand that free climbing isn't free solo. Free climbing is climbing with a rope but not to assist you. Only to catch you if you fall. Some routes are impossible to free solo, even by the best of the best, which is where free climbingIncredible story and incredible achievement. Just understand that free climbing isn't free solo. Free climbing is climbing with a rope but not to assist you. Only to catch you if you fall. Some routes are impossible to free solo, even by the best of the best, which is where free climbing takes over. In terms of difficulty, free climbing is in most cases far more difficult than free solo, because it involves almost impossible routes.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

sergiopalma02

Nov 16, 2021

Normally not one for documentaries in a theater, but this is one I'm glad I saw.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

Ascended333

Nov 6, 2021

The film-makers’ enthusiasm for his clarity of purpose is all well and good

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

noob328

Nov 6, 2021

It’s the enigma of Marc-André that makes this such a compelling documentary

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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