Honesty ain't always brutal
Last night was the much-too-late SoCal premiere of Distance Between Dreams, a Red Bull film about the trials and tribulations of big wave surfing ft. Ian Walsh and co. Despite the movie’s releases in November, December, and January, I had never seen it. Below is an honest review.
When I was working for Surfing, I’d written that DBD could be the surf movie that surpasses Step into Liquid in terms of mass appeal. That concept was ill-conceived as it failed to recognize how alienating the movie would be, in the sense that it gives no hope to the average land-lubber. Instead of uplifting stories about the Dale Websters of the world, DBD focuses on waves that most of us would never fake a paddle at. Plus, this film lacks the one key component to any true surf blockbuster: Laird!
I asked my girlfriend, a decent surfer but more of a lay-person than not, her opinion of the film. She said she enjoyed but that big waves aren’t really her thing, as it gets a little old watching guys take the same drop over and over. “It’s probably the biggest adrenaline rush in the world,” she explained, “but watching Jaws second-hand gets monotonous.” Her favorite part of DBD was John threading South Pacific tubes and delivering hacks meaner than a drunk, machete-wielding, scorned Mexican lover.
But the Beach Grit community don’t pay no mind to the masses. We are the bourgeoisie of the surf world… not financially of course but in terms of self-importance! And in that spirit I, your humble servant, deliver this report on the actual quality of Ian Walsh’s film: it was pretty good (probably much better at La Paloma than it would be in your cubicles of cynicism) but I’ll likely never watch it again.
The movie is impressive in its production quality, but I’m not a fan of the whole Redbull aesthetic (over-dramatization of peak moments, complete with added wave-crashing audio and the like). Ian Walsh was a wonderful protagonist, being that he is intelligent (high school valedictorian!), handsome, driven and an exceptional talent. The accompanying cast includes a laundry list of the best big wave surfers in the world, Ian’s affable flock of brothers, and John Florence. On paper it’s an easy success, but I do side with my girlfriend in that there’s only so much Peahi a person can take.
This is no criticism of Ian or Shane or Greg’s ability and drive. These guys are genuine role models in and out of the water, and I have a surplus of respect for everything they do. But while the movie is well-made and their surfing very brave, that stink-bug stance really drags you down after a while.
After the film I escaped through a side door and found Ian in conversation with a faceless Redbull teamer. I shook Ian’s hand and told him “good job” because he deserved it. In return I received a firm grip and a heartfelt, eye-contacted “thank you”. Despite having the world wrapped around his finger and Red Bull dollars coming out of his ears, Ian appears to be a good guy with valiant intentions. Although it wasn’t my favorite film, Distance Between Dreams brings useful insight to two wonderful surf families: the genetically-bound Walshes and the bloodless but nonetheless impermeable big wave brothers.
It’s worth a watch, if only once.
Here’s the trailer!
Yeah good film, but thought less of Ian after watching his brother being carted off with a possible neck fracture, for Ian to return to the pointless activity of surfing rather than consoling his brother! That’s just me, but didn’t think it reflected well on Ian at all!
I was appeased by his comments on the matter. Something along the lines of: “We did as much as we could to help him, and at that point all we could do was pass him off to an upper echelon of medical care”. DK wasn’t gonna die and even told Ian, “Please don’t stop surfing on my behalf,” so I’m fine with Ian’s decision.
I think calling it “pointless” is a bit harsh. This was one of the best days in Jaws history and Ian ended up getting a career-altering wave. Though I can understand how choosing to go with DK would have been a great alternate ending, as it would reinforce the prominent brotherhood theme strewn throughout the film.
And that is how one selfish surfer justifies another selfish surfer’s actions.
Well I suppose he is a pro and as such it is his job. We often have to work when family members are sick
I personally loved it. Yes, the big wave thing is dull in terms of performance surfing. What I like is that it isn’t full of one air reverse after another, now that’s dull to me. Anyone can surf waves of little to no consequence, but big waves, not so much.
Paddle in big wave surfing: effortful, death defying, and boring to watch.
I have to agree to disagree, I find it [paddle in big wave surfing] engrossing. I like the drama of the surfer making the choice to hunt down a huge wave and deliberately putting themself in harm’s way. But it’s a personal thing.
Ian’s like a little brother to me, I watched him grow up. Took him on his first surf trip. I’ll agree to disagree with you. I thought the movie was very well done. However, I guess we can assume I’m a little bias. What did you think of The Art Of Flight?
as stated in the review, I too think Ian is great and that the movie was very well done… it just ain’t my schtick.
Art of Flight (and VFABM for that matter)… more of the same. Impressive performances, incredible production value, but a little too done-up for my liking. I appreciate my action sports in free-form and paired with groovy jams (see: Psychic Migrations)
“I too think Ian is great and that the movie was very well done… it just ain’t my schtick”
Exhibit A: This is how a surf-industry bro weasels out of writing the film is contrived disappointing effort so as to still get a bro-dudelicious-handshake at a later stage and stay in the reach around loop.
Look, the film is a high production value superficial cliche running away from any iota of honest cut-to-the-bone self-reflection. The film – read extended advertisement – sucks the life out of what could have been a biography that mined his own life for the fissures between his own fictions and the brutal realities big wave surfing demands. This is a film that sacrificed the complexity and tensions of Ian’s unique and fascinating – albeit still untold – life trajectory at the alter of Glucose & Sucrose, 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, Caffeine, Glucuronolactone, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, pyridoxine HCL, vitamin B-12, and artificial Colors & Flavors.
xox
I was horrified by your gross omission of carbonated water, but apart from that this is a very good review.
*Note: haven’t watched it.
I love your first paragraph, and it is true very very very much of the time, just not here.
The movie was never meant to be a self-reflection on Ian’s life. Rob bruce, the movie’s director, spoke before the film and explained how 20 years ago he was around a group of big wave surfers and always wAnted to make a film about it. That it ended up being about Ian probably came down to Redbull dollars rather than the idea that he has any unique story to tell. This wasn’t meant to be a biography, they’re just using Ian’s story to explain what big wave surfing is and where it’s headed.
human drama, baby. it works best through a person, without pulling the punches. critique stills stands.
ps. i love you, michael.
It’s on red bull tv at the moment
speaking of SoCal premiers,
did any of you guys catch Bunker77?