He climbed Everest in 24 hours without oxygen—just to outrun his childhood.
What compels a man to push the limits of what is attainable ever higher? After thirty years of relentless struggle with the highest peaks on earth, Marc Batard has finally found the answers to these questions. He had to reach the summit of Everest twice, once shattering the record for fastest time in 24 hours without oxygen, and climb the most difficult faces of the Alps to glimpse the path to inner healing. It was through physical suffering that he was able to confront the pain of his soul. He was finally able to talk about the violence of his childhood, the shock he carried like a ball and chain for decades. Having completed his summit therapy, Marc Batard tells his story in this documentary by Gilles Perret.
Cinematography
The Alps shot like religious paintings—beauty that hurts to look at.
Direction
Perret lets silence do the screaming. Devastating restraint.
Director
Gilles Perret
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Batard's 1988 oxygen-free Everest ascent in 24 hours stood unbroken for years—he was 40 and considered 'too old' by sponsors.
This 2004 short predates the 'trauma documentary' boom by a decade; Perret's patient, non-exploitative approach influenced later mountaineering films like Meru.
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