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Ski Porn Cuts Back to Tradition (New School gets Schooled?)

Bookmark and Share            By Lou

Anyone slightly bored with ski movies that show endless stunning (at least at first) footage, while lacking any sort of compelling story? I see a few hands raised. Indeed, more than a few.

Appearing to take note of such trends on the part of their (maturing?) audience, the "new-school" ski film industry is including more compelling humanity in their flicks.

"There was always a story that was missing. It is important to have the athletes talking," says Matchstick Productions tour manager Steve Wight, in describing their latest film, "The Hit List."

"The East Coast-based Meatheads aren’t known for putting together films with lots of brainpower, their stuff tends toward more raw ski bum focus, i.e., beers and boards. But Epoch really shows a new and more respectful side of the Meatheads…an epic tale that encompasses a tremendous amount of influential ski history, including interviews with ski mountaineering pioneers and vintage footage," writes Couloir Magazine’s John Atkinson about Meathead Production’s film "Epoch."

"This… story is about the origins of TGR, outlaw athletes and the ragged lifestyle that has kept this posse’s dream and way of life alive. This vagabond tale will take you through the lifestyle of skiing and the passion that continues to change the face of the sport," reads the promo copy for Teton Gravity Research’s "Tangerine Dream."

Of course, a mob of ski flick wannabes is still out there with their vidcams pointed in every direction like a bunch of city breed elk hunters on their first hunt, shooting people turning (or not turning) then stringing clips together and adding who-knows-what music. Nice to see a little variation on the theme. In my view, it’s tougher to tell a great story than it is to ski (or film) a big line. Props to those who bear up to the challenge.

Moreover, tell a story and your efforts might last more than a year. Shakespeare had that one figured out.

Article about "Hit List."

Atkinson post about "Epoch."

Teton Gravity Research promo for "Tangerine Dream."

Posted by Lou on October 12, 2005 | Filed Under Movie Reviews 

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Welcome to Louis (Lou) Dawson's backcountry skiing information and opinion website. Lou's passion for the past forty years has been alpinism, climbing, mountaineering and skiing -- along with all manner of outdoor recreation. He has authored numerous books and articles about backcountry skiing and is well known as the first person to ski down all 54 of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks, otherwise known as the Fourteeners! Books and free back country information here, and tons of Randonnee rando telemark info.

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