The Alpinist: A Story of Marc-André Leclerc’s Thrilling Climbs and Existential Conflicts

Introduction, what to expect from The Alpinist

Overview of “The Alpinist” documentary

“The Alpinist” is a captivating documentary that profiles the life and climbing career of the enigmatic and daring Marc-André Leclerc.

Directed by Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen, the film delves into Leclerc’s background, relationships, and his awe-inspiring yet dangerous feats as a free solo climber. The documentary offers an emotionally moving portrait of a young man with an unquenchable thirst for extreme mountain-climbing adventures.

Comparison between the Alpinisit and the Oscar-winning documentary “Free Solo”

Inevitably, comparisons can be drawn between “The Alpinist” and the Oscar-winning documentary “Free Solo”. Both films focus on daredevil mountain climbers who practice free soloing—climbing without any ropes, wires, or safety equipment.

While “Free Solo” profiles the well-known climber Alex Honnold, “The Alpinist” sheds light on the lesser-known Marc-André Leclerc. Leclerc actively avoided media attention despite his jaw-dropping accomplishments. As such, “The Alpinist” can be seen as more of an underdog film compared to “Free Solo”. It offers an intimate look at the life and passions of a unique, boundary-pushing climber.

The Alpinist, the story of Marc-André Leclerc

Background and early life

Marc-André Leclerc was born in 1992 in Nanaimo, British Columbia. He went on to become one of the most daring and accomplished free solo climbers of his time. The documentary “The Alpinist” captures Leclerc’s extraordinary mountain climbing achievements and provides an insight into his personal life. It is a compelling and emotionally moving portrait of a young man with an unquenchable thirst for extreme mountain-climbing adventures.

Leclerc’s parents split up when he was young. He was primarily raised by his mother, Michelle Kuipers, who worked as a restaurant server. His father, Serge Leclerc, worked in construction. As a child, Leclerc was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). His mother recounts how he liked kindergarten but had a difficult time in first grade, leading to a period of homeschooling. Leclerc was a voracious reader, particularly interested in adventure books. At the age of 8, he was introduced to rock climbing by his maternal grandfather.

Despite struggling with ADHD and experiencing a troubled adolescence marked by drug use, Leclerc found solace in mountain climbing. He eventually moved to Squamish, British Columbia, and immersed himself in the sport, leaving his drug-fueled lifestyle behind. Leclerc’s girlfriend and fellow mountain climber, Brette Harrington, shares that she saw the potential for Leclerc to fall back into that life, but his passion for extreme, free solo mountain climbing became the driving force in his life.

Leclerc was known for his humble and unassuming nature, often avoiding media attention and interviews. This made his accomplishments even more remarkable to those who knew him, as the pursuit of fame or accolades did not drive him. The documentary “The Alpinist” not only showcases Leclerc’s incredible feats in mountain climbing but also offers a glimpse into the life of a truly passionate and dedicated individual. He chose to live his life authentically and to the fullest, despite the risks and challenges that came with it.

Climbing career and lifestyle

“The Alpinist” documentary highlights the impressive climbing career of Marc-André Leclerc. He achieved numerous remarkable mountain-climbing accomplishments, often in record-breaking times, between 2015 and 2018. Notably, Leclerc practised free soloing. Free soloing is a form of climbing that involves scaling mountains without the use of safety equipment. Despite his awe-inspiring feats, Leclerc remained relatively unknown to the general public due to his humble nature and desire to avoid the limelight.

A passion for climbing

Leclerc’s lifestyle as a mountain climber was simple and focused on his passion for climbing. Though he lived with limited financial means and often camped outdoors or stayed in hostels, he found fulfilment in his chosen path. He did have occasional sponsors to help pay for his excursions, but he never sought riches or fame from these sponsorships or other deals that he could have made. His dedication to climbing was driven by a genuine love for the sport and the pursuit of adventure.

Some of the significant summits that Leclerc climbed during his career, as shown in “The Alpinist,” include Torre Egger in Patagonia and the Mendenhall Towers near Juneau, Alaska. The documentary’s cinematography captures the breathtaking and awe-inspiring beauty of these mountain landscapes, providing viewers with a sense of the thrilling and perilous nature of Leclerc’s alpinist activities. These climbs serve as a testament to Leclerc’s unwavering dedication, courage, and skill in the world of mountain climbing.

Strong relationships within the community

Leclerc’s climbing career also led him to build strong connections with fellow climbers, such as his girlfriend Brette Harrington, whom he met in 2012. The couple shared a love for free solo mountain climbing and other extreme sports, which played a significant role in their relationship.

Although their nomadic lifestyle and the inherent dangers of their passion for mountain climbing presented challenges, their shared experiences allowed them to understand and support each other deeply.

Throughout his career, Leclerc remained true to his ideals and focused on the exhilarating experiences he gained from his extreme mountain-climbing adventures. His fellow climbers, including Alex Honnold, admired and respected him for his commitment to the sport and the purity of his motivations. Overall, Leclerc’s climbing career and lifestyle serve as an inspiring example of pursuing one’s passion with unwavering dedication and authenticity.

The Alpinist, the Filmmaking Process

The making of “The Alpinist” was a unique and challenging process. It required the filmmakers to earn the trust of the enigmatic and media-shy subject, Marc-André Leclerc.

First step – getting close to Leclerc

Co-director Peter Mortimer mentioned in the production notes that Leclerc’s refusal to seek attention and fame was what initially drew him to the climber.

As a result, the documentary was filmed over an extended period. From 2016 to 2018, the filmmakers gradually gained Leclerc’s trust and captured more candid and insightful moments as their relationship developed.

At the beginning of the filmmaking process, Leclerc appeared shy and uneasy in front of the camera. However, as time went on, he became more comfortable, sharing his thoughts and experiences more openly. This allowed the filmmakers to craft an emotionally moving and intimate portrait of the young climber, giving the audience a glimpse into his world.

Filming in extreme environment

The documentary also showcases breathtaking cinematography by Jonathan Griffith, Brett Lowell, and Austin Siadak. They faced the challenge of capturing Leclerc’s daring climbs in extreme environments. Torre Egger in Patagonia and the Mendenhall Towers near Juneau, Alaska, to name a few. To fully appreciate the stunning visuals, it is recommended to watch the film on the largest screen possible.

One notable aspect of the filmmaking process is how Leclerc maintained control over certain aspects of his story. For example, he kept his record-breaking solo climb of the Infinite Patience route on Mount Robson’s Emperor Face a secret from the filmmakers until after it was completed. However, Leclerc allowed them to document his journey to Argentina to climb Patagonia’s Torre Egger during a brutal winter, with only his friend Austin Siadak as the camera operator.

“The Alpinist” not only presents an inspiring tale of extreme mountain climbing but also provides a testament to the dedication, persistence, and creativity of the filmmakers in capturing the essence of their enigmatic subject.

Leclerc’s Relationships in The Alpinist

His relationship with his mother, Michelle Kuipers

Marc-André Leclerc’s relationships played a significant role in his life and climbing career, as showcased in “The Alpinist.” Through interviews with his loved ones, including his mother Michelle Kuipers and girlfriend Brette Harrington, the documentary provides a heartwarming insight into the young climber’s personality and motivations.

Leclerc’s relationship with his mother, who raised him primarily as a single parent, was an important aspect of his life. She shared her son’s journey from a restless and rebellious child to a dedicated mountain climber. All this despite the challenges posed by his attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Kuipers recalls her son’s enthusiasm for adventure books and his introduction to rock climbing at the age of 8 by his maternal grandfather. Her unwavering support and understanding undoubtedly played a role in shaping Leclerc’s life.

His relationship with his girlfriend, Brette Harrington

In addition to his bond with his mother, Leclerc’s relationship with his girlfriend and fellow mountain climber, Brette Harrington, was a beautiful testament to their shared passion. The couple met in 2012. Their love for free solo mountain climbing and extreme sports formed the foundation of their connection. Harrington appreciated Leclerc’s unique qualities, describing him as “socially awkward” but endearing.

The couple’s relationship was a remarkable journey of resilience and growth. They faced numerous challenges together, such as living in a tent and experiencing some food scarcity. Beyond these hardships, the constant threat of death during their mountain climbing expeditions only strengthened their bond. The documentary highlights the profound understanding and shared passion that kept them together, even in the face of adversity.

Relationships shaping his story

Leclerc’s relationships with his mother and girlfriend reveal a more intimate and inspiring side of the enigmatic climber. It offers a glimpse into the personal life of a man who pursued his passion for extreme mountain climbing with unwavering dedication. “The Alpinist” paints a touching portrait of these relationships, illustrating the importance of love and support in Leclerc’s remarkable journey.

Climbing Community’s Views on Leclerc

“The Alpinist” offers an insightful look into the climbing community’s views on Marc-André Leclerc. The documentary highlights the respect and admiration he garnered from fellow climbers for his remarkable skill and dedication to the sport.

Many well-known mountain climbers, such as Alex Honnold, Will Stanhope, Jason Kruk, and Reinhold Messner, share their perspectives on Leclerc’s accomplishments and unique approach to climbing in the documentary.

Praise from climbers like Alex Honnold

Leclerc’s daredevil reputation caught the attention of many renowned climbers. They expressed both awe and concern for his incredible achievements in hazardous conditions.

His ability to complete record-breaking climbs, often at a young age, while avoiding the limelight and media attention, further fueled their admiration. Leclerc’s focus on the experience and journey of climbing, rather than accolades and fame, resonated with his peers and set him apart from others in the community.

Alex Honnold, the subject of the Oscar-winning documentary “Free Solo,” praised Leclerc for his authentic motivation, stating.

“He cares about the experience in the mountains and the journey. I really respect that.”

Alex Honnold

Similarly, Alan “Hevy Duty” Stevenson celebrated Leclerc’s boldness in climbing, likening him to the climbers of the ’70s and ’80s, and describing him as “a breath of fresh air.”

The risk aspect

Reinhold Messner, another legendary climber, acknowledged the inherent risks in free solo mountain climbing. He asserted that facing the possibility of death is an essential aspect of the sport. The community’s recognition of these risks further highlights their respect for Leclerc’s courage and commitment to climbing.

Through these perspectives, “The Alpinist” showcases the admiration and esteem Marc-André Leclerc earned within the climbing community. His fearless approach to the sport, combined with his genuine passion for the experience, left a lasting impression on those who knew of him and his incredible accomplishments.

Key Climbs Featured in The Alpinist

“The Alpinist” showcases several of Marc-André Leclerc’s awe-inspiring climbs, providing viewers with a glimpse into his extraordinary skill and tenacity. Among the climbs featured in the documentary are Torre Egger in Patagonia and the Mendenhall Towers near Juneau, Alaska. These breathtaking summits, captured with stunning cinematography by Jonathan Griffith, Brett Lowell, and Austin Siadak, offer a thrilling and immersive experience for the audience.

Infinite Patience route on the Emperor Face of Mount Robson

In one memorable scene, the documentary highlights Leclerc’s record-breaking solo climb of the Infinite Patience route on the Emperor Face of Canada’s 13,000-foot Mount Robson. This achievement wasn’t filmed, as Leclerc kept it a secret from the filmmakers until after the fact. It further demonstrates his incredible talent and daring approach to climbing. Leclerc’s decision to undertake this climb without the presence of cameras exemplifies his preference for focusing on the experience rather than seeking fame or recognition.

Torre Egger in Patagonia

Another significant climb in the documentary takes place in Argentina, where Leclerc tackles Patagonia’s Torre Egger during a brutal winter. He allows only one camera operator, his friend Austin Siadak, to document the journey. The challenging weather conditions, including snowstorms, add to the intensity and drama of the climb, showcasing Leclerc’s unwavering determination and perseverance.

Main Tower of the Mendenhall Towers in Juneau, Alaska

The final climb featured in “The Alpinist” follows Leclerc as he ventures to the Main Tower of the Mendenhall Towers in Juneau, Alaska, accompanied by experienced climber Ryan Johnson. This journey also takes place amid snowy conditions, presenting additional obstacles for the climbers to overcome. This climb is unique in that Leclerc shares videos of his progress on the internet, a departure from his usual aversion to social media.

These remarkable climbs, as presented in the documentary, give viewers a vivid sense of the challenges and triumphs that Leclerc faced throughout his career. His remarkable accomplishments in extreme mountain climbing serve as a testament to his dedication, skill, and passion for the sport.

The Alpinist, a captivating documentary

In conclusion, “The Alpinist” is a powerful and captivating documentary. It delves into the life and career of the extraordinary and enigmatic climber Marc-André Leclerc. Through stunning cinematography, intimate interviews, and a compelling narrative, the film presents an emotionally moving portrait of a young man with an insatiable thirst for extreme mountain-climbing adventures. Leclerc’s humility, focus, and dedication to his craft, combined with his desire to live life authentically and to the fullest, make his story a truly inspiring one.

The documentary also explores the relationships that shaped Leclerc’s life, including his bond with his mother, his girlfriend and fellow climber Brette Harrington, and the wider climbing community. These connections reveal the human side of Leclerc. They illustrate the impact of his choices and the sacrifices made by those closest to him. It is clear that Leclerc’s passion for free solo climbing touched the lives of many people. It left an indelible mark on the world of alpinism.

Furthermore, “The Alpinist” offers a unique perspective on the filmmaking process. It shows the challenges faced by the directors as they sought to gain Leclerc’s trust and document his incredible feats. Their perseverance and dedication to telling Leclerc’s story result in an engaging and visually stunning film. They managed to capture the essence of his spirit and the beauty of the mountains he conquered.

Ultimately, “The Alpinist” serves as a testament to Marc-André Leclerc’s exceptional talent, courage, and commitment to his chosen path. It is a film that will undoubtedly resonate with viewers. Whether they are climbing enthusiasts or not, they will be captivated by the extraordinary story of a young man who chose to defy the odds and push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of extreme mountain climbing.