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The Alpinist

Play trailer 2:28 Poster for The Alpinist PG-13 2021 1h 33m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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93% Tomatometer 45 Reviews 97% Popcornmeter 50+ Verified Ratings
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, 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.

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The Alpinist

The Alpinist

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Critics Consensus

The Alpinist surmounts its subject's indifference to deliver a fascinating and thrillingly filmed investigation into a life spent defying danger.

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Critics Reviews

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Wendy Ide Observer (UK) 09/27/2021
4/5
It's an intriguing insight into a particular kind of obsessive drive, and a portrait of a man who, as one of his contemporaries remarked, feels almost too comfortable on the side of a mountain. Go to Full Review Leslie Felperin Guardian 09/23/2021
3/5
Leclerc's story goes in a slightly different, somewhat unexpected direction. The film-makers' enthusiasm for his clarity of purpose is all well and good, but it does leave the film prone to hyperbole... Go to Full Review Danny Leigh Financial Times 09/22/2021
3/5
The film is too pedestrian to really share Leclerc's spirit - but it captures some of his ascents in scenes both hypnotic and terrifying, and in those you sense you glimpse the essence of him, wholly in the now. Go to Full Review Mark Jackson Epoch Times 02/05/2023
4/5
Ups the ante on 2018's "Free Solo" by quite a bit. Imagine climbing 9,000 feet using crampons and ice axes to hang off 8th-of-an-inch rock ledges and shaky ice pillars... with no rope. Not for the faint of heart. Go to Full Review Brian Costello Common Sense Media 01/18/2022
4/5
This is an unforgettable documentary about a free-spirited nonconformist who lived his life to its fullest while engaged in the extreme dangers of free solo mountain climbing. Go to Full Review Carla Hay Culture Mix 11/06/2021
If there's anything to be learned from The Alpinist, it's that [Marc-André] Leclerc's choice to dedicate his life to free solo mountain climbing came not from having a death wish but from being motivated to live his life to the fullest. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Andy N 10/21/2021 Amazing movie! What an inspiring and beautifully filmed movie. 4 1/2 stars for me! See more Alex 10/10/2021 Beautiful movie and cinematography. Great story and different from other big recent climbing movies. See more Ken 10/07/2021 Super suspenseful, great narrative!! See more mimi 10/07/2021 A bit drawn out.. but great insight into this young man’s life story! See more Kathy 10/03/2021 I loved this movie. Marc had an extraordinary life filled with love in a realtionship and with his mother, passion for what he focused on, simplicity, and lack of fear. This moved me in a big way and emphasized how important it is for us to follow our instincts and passions. See more Richard B 10/02/2021 I think the telling of the story captured the heart of the protagonist who lead a genuine life, followed an unusual to understand dream, that I feel compelled to understand. See more Read all reviews
The Alpinist

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Cast & Crew

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Peter Mortimer

Director

Nick Rosen

Director

Marc-André Leclerc

Self

Brette Harrington

Self

Alex Honnold

Self

Reinhold Messner

Self

Movie Clips

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The Alpinist

The Alpinist: Movie Clip - Canmore The Alpinist: Movie Clip - Canmore 1:28 View more videos

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The Alpinist

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The Alpinist

The Alpinist (2021) The Alpinist (2021) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis 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, 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.
Director
Peter Mortimer, Nick Rosen
Producer
Ben Bryan, Michael Negri, Clark Fyans
Distributor
Roadside Attractions
Production Co
Red Bull Media House, Sender Films
Rating
PG-13 (Some Strong Language|Brief Drug Content)
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 10, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 2, 2021
Box Office (Gross USA)
$843.2K
Runtime
1h 33m