The Alpinist: documentary about the life of climber Marc-André Leclerc, who revolutionised mountaineering in the scene over the last few decades.
Film plot and background
Documentary about the life of climber Marc-André Leclerc, who revolutionised mountaineering on the scene in recent decades.
Filmmakers Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen first heard about the wildly unknown Canadian Marc-André Leclerc, who fascinated the climbing scene with almost inhuman ascents, at a party. He said he didn’t care about the public attention, his connection with nature, the mountains and his upcoming task of climbing was his whole focus.
After their film “Through the Wall – The Dawn Wall” about climber Tommy Caldwell, Mortimer and Rosen wanted to gain Leclerc’s trust to direct their next film “The Alpinist” about his passion for climbing.
The result was a documentary that captures his life and philosophy and shows him on some of the most daring climbs in history. At just his early 20s, Leclerc does not stop at ascents of ice and stone, always aware of the possible consequences. Leclerc’s great role model is “Free Solo” star Alex Honnold, who himself is said to be fascinated by Leclerc’s talent.
“The Alpinist” – background, cinema release
With all the praise for the young Canadian, there is also always concern for him. Interview partners Reinhold Messner, Alex Honnold and Will Gadd bring Marc-André’s crazy climbs closer to the audience. In personal interviews, girlfriend Brette Harrington and his mother Michelle Kulpers talk about the dangers of his climbing and the worry about the young talent.
The shock news: on 5 March 2018, Marc-André Leclerc went missing after climbing the north face of Mendenhall Tower’s Main Tower near Juneau, Alaska, with his partner Ryan Johnson. It was only over a week later, after the weather had improved, that only a rope was found sticking out of masses of snow. Presumably they were caught in an avalanche while descending after a successful ascent. Their bodies were never found. Marc-André Leclerc was 25 years old.
Despite their grief, Mortimer and Rosen finished the documentary film “The Alpinist”. In 2021, the film will premiere at film festivals. From 17 February 2022, “The Alpinist” will be released in German cinemas.
