Canyoneering is the sport of descending canyons by means of hiking, climbing, rappelling and swimming. Relatively obscure, the sport was brought to the mainstream in 2003 with the news of Aron Ralston who had severed his own arm while trapped in a canyon. Experiencing an overnight spike in popularity by the late 90s - a result of information appearing on the internet - the sport became inundated with thrill-seekers of all backgrounds and skill levels. Facing a new era of off-the-couch recreationalists, three influential participants, a canyoneering instructor, pioneer, and guidebook author each respond to a growing interest in the incredibly dangerous activity. Gorging employs the story of canyoneering to examine larger questions about the pursuit of thrills and the consequences that follow.
Direction
Olliver weaves three egos into one uncomfortable warning
Editing
Juxtaposes gorgeous canyon porn with rescue radio chatter
Director
Brian Olliver
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Dennis Turville pioneered many of these Utah routes in the 1970s using handmade hemp ropes and no rescue option — the film contrasts this with modern tourists carrying $5,000 gear and Spot beacons.
The 'Ralston effect' mentioned throughout refers to 127 Hours spawning copycat canyon attempts; Olliver includes actual 911 calls from rescues that explicitly mention the film as motivation.
US
