There are certain accomplishments that can only be described as “singular.” These rarest of achievements are so fundamentally incredible as to be, or at least seem, unrepeatable.
Fortunately, the cameras were rolling on June 3, 2017, when Alex Honnold secured his place in the rock climbing pantheon by scaling the 3,000-foot vertical face of Yosemite National Park’s legendary El Capitan without ropes or other safety equipment.
His was the kind of physical trial with only two possible outcomes: Either he was perfect, or he was going to die.
That day, Mr. Honnold was perfect.
Mr. Honnold’s daredevil feat of physical triumph may never be repeated, but thrill seekers who want to relive this incredible achievement from the safety of solid ground can experience it — vicariously and without fear of serious injury — through the stunning National Geographic film Free Solo.
Where better to witness such a grand physical achievement than on the six-story screen of the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater? From Jan. 11-17, Chattanooga’s largest screen will host special nightly showings of this masterful documentary.
Mr. Honnold’s epic accomplishment is expertly paired with Yosemite’s pristine, larger-than-life scenery by renowned adventure photographer, filmmaker and climber Jimmy Chin and his wife and co-director Emily Vasarhelyi.
Viewers will thrill — and maybe squirm a bit — as Mr. Chin follows Mr. Honnold’s path up the cliff through sweeping panoramas that show the scale of the task and close ups that demonstrate the impossibly small projections he clung to on an otherwise sheer rock wall.
Mr. Chin balances the excitement of the physical trial with an equal focus on the ground, documenting Mr. Honnold’s rigorous preparations, both mental and physical, as well as the anxious fear and pride of the loved ones watching him undertake a seemingly impossible challenge.
Free Solo already has received significant acclaim, raking in wins at the Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards, Seattle Film Critics Awards and Toronto International Film Festival, among others. On Dec. 28, Free Solo was announced as one of 15 candidates short-listed for consideration as a nominee for Best Documentary at this year’s Academy Awards.
Tickets to see Free Solo are $15.95 for adults and $12.95 for children (3-12). Screenings are at 7 p.m. Jan. 11-12, and 6 p.m. Jan. 13-17. To order online or learn more about the film, visit tnaqua.org/imax/free-solo.