Marc-André Leclerc in a scene from “The Alpinist”. (Courtesy of Roadside Landmarks)
Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen were made for nature.
In fact, the two have teamed up once again to tell the story of Marc-André Leclerc in their latest film, The Alpinist.
The film follows Leclerc, a free spirited 23-year-old Canadian who is making some of the daring solo ascents in history.
Yet it hardly attracts any attention.
With no cameras, no rope and no margin for error, Leclerc represents the essence of the solo adventure.
Reluctant to nomads and the public, do not own a phone or a car and are reluctant to let a film team hear about their pure vision of climbing.
That is, until Mortimer and Rosen get on board and embark on a historical adventure in Patagonia that redefines the possibilities of solo climbing.
“We make a lot of films in this world,” says Mortimer. “We are both climbers. I’ve been climbing all my life. When we heard from Marc we heard that he was hardcore and doing some great things. We found our way to him and he had seen some of our films. He studies climbing history. “
“The Alpinist” will hit theaters on Friday September 10th in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Rosen says that Leclerc presented the following obstacles that had nothing to do with climbing.
“The Alpinist” directors Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen.
“He’s so focused on his climbing and moving from one destination to another,” says Rosen. “He liked the idea of making the film to share his passion with the world. Trying to do interviews was difficult, but that’s what Pete and I loved about Marc. When everyone is bragging on social media, he didn’t want to attract any attention. “
Rosen says Leclerc’s focus has given way to much better interviews.
“He was always out of the script,” says Rosen. “As a storyteller, that’s what you want.”
Mortimer and Rosen spent about two years making the film.
Then there was a tragedy.
On March 5, 2018, Leclerc and his climbing partner Ryan Johnson completed a new route on the north face of the Mendenhall Towers, north of Juneau, Alaska.
The couple was scheduled to return to base camp by March 7, but never arrived.
During the Juneau Mountain Rescue search, ropes were found at the bottom of the descent route, suggesting that the climbers were hit from above by an avalanche, rock fall or cornice.
“We were deep in post-production when the tragedy struck,” says Mortimer. “We felt we had to put this in history.”
Rosen says that while the film focuses on climbing, it is suitable for everyone.
“If you want to climb, there are so many ways to push yourself,” says Rosen. “It’s also about something very simple. We’re talking about a (men’s) trip. “
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