Were you familiar with “The Alpinist” (2021), which centers on the daring, and sadly deceased, solo climber Marc-André Leclerc? Within this gripping documentary, Alex Honnold—already a celebrated climber who seemed immune to fear—offers an explanation of how captivating and hazardous such extreme climbing can be. The film, created three years prior, provides insight into Honnold’s own lack of fear as we observe him attempting to climb immense rock formations like Yosemite’s 3000-foot “El Capitan,” equipped with minimal gear: a T-shirt, shorts, and specialized shoes. He acknowledges that even the smallest mistake, or perhaps just an unexpected breeze, could have fatal consequences. Similar to Leclerc, he appears rather self-centered, and you can't help but feel sympathy for his girlfriend Sanni McCandless, whom he is very direct with. As he states, he doesn’t believe in extending his life at the cost of his climbing ambitions, even for her sake, and understandably she grapples with the anxiety of him not returning one day. The film also includes interviews with other climbers who skillfully present the remarkable video footage that brings viewers close to a man who seems to handle immense pressure and risk with ease. A genuine question arises for them, however: what would they record if he were to fall? Honnold comes across as an approachable, everyday person, which is part of his appeal, but also contributes to why his intense dedication might make him unsuitable for fatherhood. He’s simply too consumed by climbing and the isolation that goes with it. I typically don't experience a fear of heights, but some of his risky exploits genuinely made my feet feel uneasy.

Source on TMDB