Guide on films to see and books to read on rainy days
Mountime | 28 set 2023 |Guide on films to see and books to read on rainy days.
The Dawn Wall
"The Dawn Wall" is a 2017 documentary directed by Josh Lowell and Peter Mortimer. The film tells the extraordinary story of Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson's climb on El Capitan's Dawn Wall in Yosemite National Park, one of the most difficult and audacious rock climbs ever attempted.
Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson set out to climb the section of El Capitan known as the "Dawn Wall," characterized by a series of smooth, vertical cracks. This endeavor is considered one of the greatest challenges in free rock climbing, requiring an extraordinary degree of technical skill and strength. In particular, the documentary focuses on Kevin Jorgeson's determination to overcome one of the toughest sections known as "Pitch 15," which requires repeated attempts and remarkable perseverance.
The film provides an in-depth look into the lives and motivations of the two climbers, along with spectacular footage of their epic climbs. "The Dawn Wall" is a story of courage, dedication, and resilience, demonstrating that with the right determination and commitment, seemingly impossible challenges can be overcome. The documentary has received acclaim from the climbing community and has become an inspirational symbol for adventure and climbing enthusiasts.
The Alpinist
“The Alpinist” is a 2021 documentary directed by Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen that chronicles the extraordinary life and exploits of Canadian mountaineer Marc-André Leclerc. The film follows the life of Leclerc, a young climbing talent, as he challenges himself and the limits of climbing alone and without equipment. He is known for his daring exploits in the world's most remote mountains, often without traditional communications or safety equipment.
The documentary highlights his determination, his passion for climbing and his rebellious spirit, showing his epic ascents and the personal challenges he faces in trying to make his dreams come true. Throughout the film, the most intense and touching moments of his career are presented, along with the opinions of friends, family and other climbers on his extraordinary life and his impact on the climbing community.
Meru
"Meru" is a 2015 documentary directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi that narrates the extraordinary adventure of three elite mountaineers as they attempt to climb the face of Meru Peak in the Himalayas, one of the most difficult and ambitious challenges in the mountaineering climbing.
The film follows the climbing trio of Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin and Renan Ozturk over the course of several years as they attempt to conquer the dreaded Shark's Fin, one of the most technically challenging and dangerous walls in the world. Their first expedition in 2008 had failed, but in 2011, after numerous obstacles and moments of desperation, the team returned to Meru for another attempt.
The documentary offers an intense and engaging look at the determination, resilience and sacrifice required to face such a massive challenge. As climbers contend with hunger, extreme cold, and the constant threat of avalanches, the film captures the essence of mountain climbing and the personal and physical conflicts that accompany this endeavor. "Meru" is a story of triumph, perseverance and friendship as part of one of the most challenging and dangerous adventures in the world of mountaineering.
Instead, here are 2 books that can make you dream and pass the time on those rainy days.
Touching the Void
“Touching the Void” is a book written by Joe Simpson and published in 1988, based on his extraordinary experiences during a climbing expedition in the Peruvian Andes in 1985. The book is an intense and compelling narrative of survival and courage.
The story follows Joe Simpson and Simon Yates as they attempt to climb the West Face of Siula Grande, one of the most difficult challenges in mountain climbing. During the descent, Simpson suffers a very serious fall, fracturing his leg and seriously damaging his spine. The inability to continue puts the lives of both climbers in danger, and the scenario becomes increasingly desperate as Yates must make an impossible decision: cut the rope that binds them to save his life.
The book chronicles Simpson's struggle to survive in extreme and desperate conditions as he tries to reach base camp alone. His tenacity and indomitable spirit emerge as he faces incredible challenges and overcomes unthinkable obstacles in the harsh conditions of the Andes.
My Mountains
“My Mountains” is an autobiographical book written by the acclaimed Italian mountaineer Walter Bonatti and published in 1961. The book offers a fascinating account of Bonatti's mountaineering adventures and his experiences climbing some of the most iconic mountains in the world.
In the book, Bonatti shares his exploits in detail, including the climb of Dru in the Alps and the expedition to K2 in the Himalayas, considered one of the most significant feats in the history of mountaineering. Bonatti provides not only breathtaking descriptions of his ascents, but also profound reflections on the nature of climbing, courage, isolation, and the search for meaning in life in the mountains.
If you too wish to embark on extraordinary experiences like these or something slightly less daring, write to us at [email protected] or fill out the questionnaire, telling us about the adventure you'd like to undertake.
Happy adventures from the Mountime guides!