Free Solo | Jimmy Chin | Talks at Google

[@dtdyvr]

This is so well done - the moderator asked brief clear intelligent questions, and then let Jimmy talk as long as necessary - no moderator ego. And Jimmy Chin is so interesting, thoughtful and articulate, and seems to come from a place of total integrity. As for the film itself, I was totally blown away by it, on so many levels - it exceeded all expectations. But the more I learn about the background and behind-the-scenes, the better the experience gets. Thanks so much for doing this and posting this!!

[@dandawson8128]

dtdyvr nothing to add, well put!

[@FitzpatrickSD]

@@dandawson8128 Does dtdyvr mean "Definitely true, dude, your very right?

[@davecarlson6172]

As a video producer myself, Jimmy's explanations into the complex intricacies and logistics of the production is very fascinating! The film also covered this but hearing him expound on the technical and moral facets of covering both the character Alex and the epic climb itself is a wonderful addition.

[@pezushka]

Great summary. I think Jimmys lucidity comes from his clarity of purpose, he has a much greater sense of what he should be doing than most of us, I think that means a great reduction in anxiety and therefore these kinds of speaking events need not be rehearsed particularly. The speaking then comes effortlessly, it's all there like wiping away the the dust from a tablet to reveal the words.

[@bazzie85]

@@FitzpatrickSD dtdydr is the name of the original poster. Dan dawson was replying to him

[@obiopiah]

Not gonna lie, this interviewer is very good. Short, concise and probing questions. And he allows the interviewee to talk freely. Very informative session

[@glassharmonica]

Millions of people want to see the full 4 hours!! I would watch it straight through. Alex's is one of the greatest human achievements of all time. It would be so amazing to watch the whole thing! Also, "fame is useless unless you can use it for good..." I feel Alex and Jimmy are setting a really positive example for humanity, which is pretty amazing when you consider that they're self-described 'dirt bags' lol.

[@2Fixitup]

Definitely release the full 4 hour video of the climb! That would be epic

[@kennethmadden]

I came out of the film thinking exactly the same thing- I want to watch the full climb ! I think a lot of people would be interested in that. I feel they could have made the climb at least 10 or 15 minutes longer in the film, they had the audience at that stage.

[@GGININDER591]

Yeah I wanna see the unicorn guy’s reaction when Alex ran into him.

[@diabl2master]

While watching the film I had assumed there wasn't footage of every section but now I think about it there was a cameraman on the ground shooting the whole thing. I guess for sections of the climb he would have been the only one capturing it.

[@GGININDER591]

bkstacker 247 Mickey had a static camera on the ground that basically followed Alex the whole climb. So yeah I think they have the footage of that. Just not that close.

[@zzarkS]

i would have this on loop for weeks

[@jeremyharris4021]

I can see how Jimmy and Alex get along so much, they are both super-chill.

[@caitlin.hardee]

Jimmy Chin, what a legend. Absolute badass yet so chill and self-effacing.

[@Dan8254]

Watched several interviews of Jimmy. From all the answers he made, it seems that Jimmy is a very intelligent man and at the same time he is also a person who has empathy and genuine care for those around him.

[@MinecraftEAT]

I know your comment is a month old at this point but I want to add to it. I agree with everything you said and would like to add that Jimmy very much understands climbing ethics, the sport isn't huge and as a result, especially among primarily outdoor climbers, you see that it is a very specific group of like minded people who are active outdoor climbers. A primary characteristic of the climbing community is one of loving nature and using the sport as a way to get closer to it. This is one of Alex's motivations in his free soloing even, he feels like there is no better way to be in tune with his surroundings. In that love and appreciation for nature, climbers want others to feel that. Climbing is an extremely personal sport to a lot of people and we all just want to share that, Jimmy is an excellent steward of our community.

[@deltasquared7777]

Jimmy Chin is a most remarkable person in his own right---on top of which he is an outstanding cinematographer.

[@suesbent]

Hope you win an Oscar Jimmy and crew. You deserve it. I saw Free Solo yesterday in a little regional cinema down under. Gripping and inspirational. Love Alex and wish all the best.

[@adamwinger963]

This is film of the century! Alex’s great feat on film is incredible. That’s one of greatest athletic achievements in the history of people. And jimmy chin rules and he and his beautiful wife are a wonderful team. Behind every good man is an even better woman. Straight up. The film is an all around good example of what humanity should be about. Clean living, be good to one another, and explore. Then repeat. All the people involved who helped make this thing possible big up yourself

[@richardreid1251]

I have watched the film 4 times and watched every interview made of the crew a couple of times. I’m from Florida and have enjoyed this film more than anything I have ever seen. That says a lot coming from a surfer. Bravo!

[@jasonthomas16]

Alex Isn’t a daredevil, he is an artist creating a masterpiece.

[@stephaniebarrett8057]

You are amazine Jimmy Chin! Just discovered Free Solo and I am obsessed. The cinematography is truly amazing.

[@hsy2455]

enjoyed both the moderator Jonathan and Jimmy's dialogue and the ability of both to speak so freely. Kudos on great questions that allowed the guest to elaborate on details we all were keen to hear.

[@captainleabea4197]

Jimmy Chin is amazing. I watched free solo last night and he and Chai really brought the story of Alex to life. Well deserved Oscar.

[@JohnADuerk]

Jimmy Chin is a very thoughtful human being. Thank you for this interview.

[@lukegraham5105]

Jimmy Chin is such an amazingly well travelled, talented dude.....impressive all the things he has accomplished and the type of life he lives.....truly inspiring!

[@prrosenkrantz]

Alex, Jimmy, and Chai are three geniuses who converged to make an unbelievable film. I can't get enough of it.

[@organizedchaos7111]

Jimmy chin is a beast in himself.

[@alaska-bornfloridaman]

I want a friend like Jimmy Chin. Such a cool dude.

[@MANIAKRA]

Definitely check out Meru, Jimmy is a bad ass too, the dude has no fear.

[@quackcharge]

yooo jimmy please release the 4 hours. I absolutely loved the film, I'm very far away from being a climber at all but I'd still watch that full climb like right now even though it's 4am right now and I'm tired as hell. Like another commenter said, having Alex narrate (even just some parts of it) would be amazing. Love your work, hope you will release a film about that antarctica trip aswell I'll watch it right away

[@frankalfieri4203]

I saw the movie Free Solo (twice), and enjoyed every minute of it. The only thing I would is that it was shot more as a movie than a documentary. For those who don't know Alex Honnold and his story of climbing greatness, it could well be a movie of fiction. Hence it would be great to see the 4 hour footage of the climb as it relates strictly to a documentary about one of the greatest athletic (and mental) achievements of all time.

[@jphooks9463]

On the topic of the full climb - potential 4-hour version release - Honestly, I think it is those like Alex in his methodical and complete way of preparing for climbs who will most enjoy the full-length climb release. When I was a competitive cyclist I learned so much from watching full-length races; sometimes 6-7 hours. And watching them over-and-over, each time I might catch something different, but overall I definitely learned to see the race from a holistic, forest-level view and enhanced my racing technique and strategy. Honestly, I think it is those like Alex in his methodical and complete way of preparing for climbs who will most enjoy the full-length climb release.

[@partykrew666]

jimmy seems like a super awesome dude

[@sk3097]

Jimmy and Alex... you guys are the best. Loved Meru, loved Free Solo.

[@amyramen]

12:50 Alex learning hugging 48:40 Jimmy vs Alex race to the top

[@tecnolover2642]

very good interview! this documentary film deserves every award it has earned and more. definitely one of the most epic climbing feats ever captured on film right up there with vintage footage of Hilary sumiting Everest.

[@adrianhuysman3331]

the question should be: "How many times have you seen Meru?"

[@maria-em3yb]

@Tony Marselle another documentary from jimmy chin

[@andrewcoleman492]

I need to re-watch tonight!

[@andrewcoleman492]

@Tony Marselle A great climbing film! It's free if you have Amazon Prime.

[@inmyopinion651]

Even though Alex was able to overcome it this time there is no way bringing cameras in did not add to the pressure but then again it also adds motivation. I think what he did was the most amazing human accomplishment ever. That includes landing on the moon and other big things. I think once Alex has kids his free solo days will end. I think thats a good thing. I hope he's the one guy who lives to be a old man after doing this.

[@TerjeMathisen]

The full 4 hour movie would do very well indeed, if the experience and great success of "Slow TV" here in Norway could be used as a yardstick: We've had 8 hour train rides across the mountains all on live TV (NRK2 for the win!), with no commercial breaks. A few years later we got 5.5 days showing the Coastal Express boat ride between Bergen and Kirkenes. (BTW, I have climbed a few big walls in Yosemite, starting way back in 1981, and I would never even dream of trying to solo anything substantial.)

[@alex0589]

is it slow tv if youre sweating buckets out of your hands?

[@almaguapa-sailboatliveaboa440]

An incredible moment for a passionate and dedicated man (Alex) to his lifestyle. It is a MUST for a man to accomplish and go beyond your limits.

[@MahdiTheMagician]

Film of the year!

[@myronshneider]

Just won best documentary

[@chizzad5155]

I agree wholeheartedly.

[@Sabin41]

I'd love to see Jimmy do a film on cave diving. There are a lot of parallels with the climbing world to what divers do which seems crazy to normal people but is very calm and methodical with its own set of challenges other than the obvious which is just running out of air.

[@gmathis11]

How ironic that Jimmy & Chai’s next film was The Rescue, which was a documentary on rescuing 12 youth Thai soccer players and their coach from a mountain cave that had flooded at the beginning of Monsoon Season in June 2018. The cave diving rescue was so perilous and riveting!

[@1utube01]

4 years later, after they did the Nyad film, I don't think Jimmy would trust himself to do something like that justice. He understands and respects the physical and difficulty difference between the two. Maybe as a producer or director, identifying the same type of filmmaker in diving that he is in mountain sports.

[@DerekSmith816]

Great Talk. Alex Honnold has undoubtedly made history with this epic feat of miraculous courage and skill. It is one to thing to accomplish this marvel, but another thing to seal his legacy and stay alive. As mentioned, "Everyone who makes "Free Soloing" a part of their lives does not live to bathe in the glory of there feats." For Alex Honnold to take this to the next step he would need to stay alive and not perish climbing another freesolo by accident.

[@zdrumdude]

Congrats on well deserved Oscar! Nuff said. Doc rocked!

[@MaxskiSynths]

I completely understand making a portion of the video address how hard it was to actually film, it makes people really appreciate it that little bit more, not that it needs boosting because it's an amazing thing in itself!

[@griffith500tvr]

Jimmy is a good Orator, he knows what the story is about.

[@JorgsTube]

Good interview Jimmy, in both Meru and Free Solo I felt the empathy you set out to achieve. I often refer my non-climbing friends to Meru for a deeper understanding of what drives climbers. Love your work, keep it up! And yes, pls Netflix those 4 hrs.

[@JDmix123]

Disney +

[@creativeeverydaylife]

When I saw "Free Solo" (first time) I did not know if he would survive ... It was so scary ... but absolutely wildly good movie ... Wildly exciting to learn about climbing, and beautifully portrayed. I then felt like challenging myself to do an activity I do not normally dare, such as to climb (with rope in a gym though), or canoe or cross country running or some of those thing I am normally afraid of.

[@melita8788]

I watched the film recently, accidentaly - not knowing anything about it, anything about Alex or climbing, or what is free solo climbing. I didnt know if he made it till the end!! I (masochistically) didn't want to google it so as not to spoil myself the experience. That was the scariest horror movie Ive ever watched!!! Long live Alex!! 🙏 He is such an amazing and unique human being.❤

[@Jim-be8sj]

Great video. Jimmy Chin is an impressive guy with a very interesting background and outlook on life.

[@danji1442]

I watched it in cinema and it is the only film I went to cinema for the last two years.it is incredible.

[@reb363]

Jimmy said there was a team from Germany that was there for five days and never climb every pitch clean. Yes, Alex climbed it in three hours and fifty six minutes, but it took him two years of practice to climb every pitch clean.

[@petesthousandpeaksptp1232]

In another Oscar winner, The Man who Skied Everest, numerous Sherpas died in an avalanche or ice fall during production. If Honnold had been killed, it's just then another in a line of mountaineering films where people involved with the shooting died. Sadly, people watch that stuff. Happily it went well, and so I'm grateful for the sport. Rock climbing is pretty much banned by the Sierra Club, and the media harps on every death or injury or rescue. With more education and knowledge about the sport, perhaps there will be less stupidity and more successes and advancement, and then less need for say stupid hiker laws. In the 1800's, on the Matterhorn disaster then, the Queen of England inquired about banning mountaineering. Let's hope for more like Honnold and Chin and all, to promote what may be the best sport in the world, by me!

[@paulacravello]

It is interesting to watch Alex's interviews after the movie because he gives more details of behind the scenes. For example, that people at the top were not surprised to see him (the film crew has not arrived yet, they did not have a camera there) but they were shocked to see him hiking down barefoot

[@samuele8361]

You're confusing different climbs. What you're referring to is his free solo of halfdome, which happened way before el cap and he did it by himself without telling anyone.

[@Atom.Storm.]

A friend got us tickets to see this in a small cinema in Glasgow and it was absolutely the most nerve shredding thing i have ever seen.

[@AnnickAdelle]

Hey Google - cough up some money for the Honnold Foundation!

[@nobytes2]

Stop worrying about others donating, do your share and live happy.

[@ant5611]

This team of free solo is so incredibly beautiful people

[@GoodBossTV]

I think the 'Darwin awards' mention is spot on. No doubt, Alex's achievement is unbelievable, astounding, a world first! I still hope no one tries to replicate this. I can see why he wanted to do it and why he let nothing stop him and I am very jealous that I can't let myself do what he did. This is a once in a lifetime achievement and something that should never be caught on film in any circumstance other than what was prescribed by Alex and agreed wholly by Jimmy and his crew. Without Alex's skill, determination, grit and sheer will to do this project along with Jimmy and his crew's empathy and professionalism, to film this absolute madness! (that I maintain is the most horrifying film i have ever watched) This production would not be the same. I have the utmost respect for Alex (as a newbie climber and adventure enthusiast) and as much respect for Jimmy and his crew for filming the whole unfiltered experience. I have never been so scared in my whole life and I knew he survived before watching the film... I wouldn't have wanted to film it either...

[@Williamstanway]

Jimmy is a legend ....watch his film Meru!!!

[@thangnguyen02]

12:30-13:30 My favorite part of the interview "Don't forget to press recording"

[@mountguitars]

Wow, so this is how it starts. This should have more views than all the other interviews about the movie then.

[@GavynPendleton]

50:50 when you finally realize what an absolute beast jimmy is

[@ltrizzle12]

F yeah!

[@dc0dr]

Watch Meru.

[@GavynPendleton]

@@dc0dr i have a few times

[@flyingardilla143]

My abs hurt just thinking about jumaring that distance.

[@PaulCarterArt]

Great insight and interview of the many, many levels from the inside out to document and let alone to climb this face, is a massive achievement. Thanks guys well done

[@jodypowell7052]

It's obvious the respect that Jimmy has for his fellow climber, and with only the utmost respect for the incredible feats he has achieved himself, does he feel any jealousy about what Alex accomplished as compared to what he achieved himself? It's a difficult question, and I believe he deserves as much credit as Alex does, but there must be a moment or two where you wish it was you that did this. That said, give props to a man that is one of the most important people in the climbing world via photography and climbing.

[@jodypowell7052]

And I know Meru is a bigger, better, achievment than free soloing El Cap, and free soloing El Cap is a bigger, better, achievement than climbing Meru. Oh, I think I see. It's all impressive and both deserve ourrespect regardless. Also, the dawn wall, etc.,,, Just give respect and love for these pioneers and passionate people. 💪

[@jaimeceferino7710]

A class act! Loved Free Solo and Meru.

[@eveningstar1]

I didn't know the ending when I first watched the film - most stressful film watching experience of my life!

[@helengraves7850]

OMG I can't imagine.

[@dominiksafranek853]

I went in not knowing about the outcome, and it felt great! I really didn't know what to expect, and wondering all throughout the film whether he bails, or if he falls, whether they show the fall, and really feared for him that I couldn't stand still. Genuine fear/excitement moment, probably the best I ever had in a cinema.

[@kikonyc68]

Alex's feat was filmed and it's great that we get to see it and now it's an official record that he did free solo'ed El Cap, but initially, Alex wasn't telling anyone what he was planning. I think there was a possibility (big or small I don't know) that he actually did it without letting anyone know, thus it would never have been filmed or had someone keeping track. I mean it's a world record but what's the meaning of making a record if nobody knows about it? Is it still a record? I feel like it was meant to be filmed. And at the same time, could someone else have already done the same thing and no one still knows about it?

[@lovieli5286]

He's a very good speaker!

[@Novazon2]

Absolutely fantastic interviewer.

[@WhereAREmyglasses1]

Most of the people I have shown "Free Solo" to, didn't know Alex safely made the climb up El Cap. (My wife, as she was watching, looked it up to make sure he did.) Watching them nervously shift their bodies in their seats and their legs bouncing as the film progressed was interesting to watch.

[@Cardgames4children]

Happy that Alex was able to beat 4 hours. I could imagine it would really be a mental burden, even after just soloing el cap, if his time would've been something like 4:01. My ocd wouldnt be able to handle that imperfection, even after all that perfect climbing!

[@damirdze]

They all are incredible bunch of the people, certainly the best from the human kind. Hope one day people like them take the politics in their hands ...

[@trebornellanyl]

Still waiting for the raw 3:56:00 climb footage to release. ?

[@brandonpeniuk]

He needs to go on the Joe Rogan Experience.

[@gabriel.hongkong]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIDLeZ54oseVa7s

[@KevinGandhi]

@@gabriel.hongkong he's talking about jimmy chin, not alex

[@BaconNDCheese]

I watched the interview on joe rogan with Alex anddd it was pretty crappy. Its so clear in the podcast that Joe did not watch the film and almost the entire interview was Joe trying to tell Alex how he could improve and be a better athlete. I don't think Jimmy being on it would give good vibes.

[@englandsensation]

No, don't wish that on Jimmy.

[@emlee3480]

joe rogan experience interviews are pretty terrible

[@superdog797]

WHY ON EARTH DON'T THEY RELEASE THE WHOLE CLIMB! Honnold is probably the only person who will ever do that...

[@helengraves7850]

Honnold himself says that 1) a lot of the climbing is "boring," and 2) he doesn't really want everyone to see him peeing, which he did more than once.

[@superdog797]

@@helengraves7850 i dont care the footage is too important

[@Drelam]

I really want to see the whole 4 hours of the climb.

[@bethgreen2457]

Love Jimmy's films. Especially Free Solo. Thank you!!!!

[@unki3259]

Jimmy sans chai = legend...

[@colbicolbiWTF]

lately all i wanna do is climb, and when im done climbing and when im resting all i wanna do is watch climbing... so yes please release the 4 hour video!!! i would watch it probably over 100 times lol there needs to be more quality climbing videos out there... so many youtube climbers are not good, they dont teach u proper skills, in fact they usually give bad advice and suck themselves as climbers and just do b roll music while they goof off and act like pro climbers. magnus midbot is amazing and theres an asian guy whos not pro, hes learning but hes learning from good climbers and i like his vids, theres a few others but i dont know them by heart id have to look on my playlist LOL

[@Suzannahartist]

Great interview .... love Chin films... I did pre-order Itunes! . Free Solo like chess with your hands and feet's with your body but life or death... wow!

[@0SKBooth0]

When Jimmy says "I haven't been home since August," you can really tell he's ready to get back to Jackson and make some turns.

[@MrTobitobitobitobi]

Really enjoyed the crowd questions! Great talk on top :)

[@andrewshortt4338]

Beautiful work...

[@adventuresofjandk]

Jimmy is awesome

[@jamesangussadler8820]

He's a gem, a handsome gem, love and kisses

[@bob5951]

Hmmm - I'm Not sure which movie I enjoyed more. Meru or Free Solo. My hands sweated more in Free Solo but Meru had such a great back story - both great !

[@charlesprovencher6918]

If the full 4 hours comes to netflix, I'll watch it

[@frankymacf]

Great talk

[@wagnercarrettacazotto5918]

Pleeeeeease, i need see the full 4 hour video of the climb!

[@sveltland]

Release the 4hr

[@caivsivlivs]

THEY GOTTA RELEASE THE UNCUT CLIMB WTF

[@metazoanful]

Great interview

[@Dreama40]

I wonder if they had a rescue plan prepared so if Alex was 'stuck' somehow one of the camera men could swing over and quickly hook him up to a safety harness etc? seems like something i'd plan for but yeah i wonder if they did that.

[@chineschickenwing]

Alex actually bailed his first attempt. There must've been a cameraman nearby cause he was able to be handed a walkie talkie and got harnessed and hooked up to descend.

[@tecnolover2642]

Certainly... if they were able and it was safe for alex and the crew and they could reach him. in a spot like the" boulder problem" attempting a rescuse could cause him to fall anyway so he was definitely on his own there. remember they weren't physically in all the spots where alex was climbing too. all those camera crew are experienced climbers themselves and understand rescue techniques. but in reality alex really wouldnt likely be "stuck" in a spot where a rescue could take place safely because h is would be a single fall.

[@MrDavidschloss]

the coffee must be cold as hell

[@elliottt.yamamoto4473]

Yeah, I was thinking the same! Jimmy loves his cup of 'jo but got so amped he had forgotten the mo' to go with the 'jo'

[@andrewcoleman492]

Was thinking the same thing the whole time.

[@alan-zl7ee]

Alex is the real life Spiderman amazing film 👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍

[@Felipe_Ribeir0]

Jimmy looks like a funny good guy

[@rockclimber3045]

I rock Climbed for 25 years and if people keep trying to be the best solo climber to beat Alex Honnold people will fall and Die!

[@penrynbigbird]

Even though I knew that Alex succeeded, I fast forwarded thru some of the most dramatic climbing scenes. Seeing someone THAT close to the edge just gives me the willies...

[@jonroig8751]

Awesome... thx!

[@maxmmpower]

amazing on every level. funny he mentions clothing - if i recall, alex starts the climb with a hoodie around his waist, but it's not there at the end of route?

[@danradu231]

Stashed. Along with his approach shoes and water at various points on the route.

[@maxmmpower]

thanks @@danradu231 is that typical of free soloing? seems like extra risk.

[@danradu231]

@@maxmmpower Probably not that typical since most free-soloists (and there are very few) wouldn't be on routes that are more than a couple hundred feet. Honnold is pretty unique doing this on monster walls. I think I recall him saying once he also carries his phone on him.

[@katie3867]

@@maxmmpower there are a few relatively wide ledges on the route where you can safely stash stuff, grab water, etc. I dont think he ever did any of that while actively climbing.

[@maxmmpower]

@@katie3867 thanks for this perspective. it's just a bit unsettling to see him with a hoodie around his waist! i'd think he'd want the absolute minimum of excess, just to mitigate things...

[@TheEddyHudson]

Now I wanna work at google

[@IsaacSMILE]

Roll on Dec 11 - I get to see the film then. (UK)

[@mikerowland8004]

Tickets booked. Taking the family!

[@spookytook]

did he ever released the 4hr version of the climb?

[@1234clarknj]

No discussion on using drones? There was a credit in movie on drones but probably not on day of free solo. Maybe B- roll?

[@garyalpern1402]

RIP Alex Lowe…

[@IMP3TIGO]

The Nat Geo video of his climb a year or two before Free Solo, when he climbs that mountain in Mexico, was much more impressive from a cinematography stand point. The camera angles were more dynamic and gave perspective (e.g. by pointing the camera down the wall, panning out from presumably a drone, etc.) that Free Solo didn't, making Free Solo's climbing shots a bit of a disappointment. Not as much of a visceral thrill (and way too many shots of the camera guy/friend fretting nervously during the climb) that diminished the sense of accomplishment of his incredible feat just a bit. The Nat Geo film I mentioned above is much more impressive in the way it captures the climbing.

[@Tito-sq1kb]

Alex Honnold is out with Bear Grylls on 1/7/20 on natgeo