Movie of the Month: In Deep
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Movie of the Month: In Deep
Who?: Matchstick Productions
Year: 2009
Where can I find it? Matchstick Productions
Matchstick Productions In Deep appeared at the Center for the Arts in Crested Butte on Friday evening. For most Buttians, the annual MSP films have become a September ritual. MSP was born in Crested Butte, and the locals here appreciate their consistent return, even though their films have spread far beyond the borders of Colorado.
In Deep opens with the inspiring 16-yr old skier, Sean Pettit. This fanatical teenager skis lines that most of us would dare to even dream about. Pettit, despite retaining the gorilla-park style that reveals his roots, is clearly the future of our sport.
MSP’s film continues, with several segments focusing on a specific athlete. This film is unique in the fact that it features constant voice-overs with the athletes speaking about their experiences. These voice-overs bring the scenes to life. Viewers have a better sense of what is occurring in each scene, making the movie more tangible. One of the most memorable voice-overs is Chris Davenport’s explanation of two major crashes while skiing in Haines, Alaska. In these scenes, Davenport comes dangerously close to serious injury or even death, yet escapes unharmed. But, Davenport’s voice-over reveals his feeling of humility for the mountains and relief that something more serious did not happen.
In Deep features many stellar athletes including Kaj Zakrisson, Hugo Harrisson, Mark Abma, Mike Douglas, JT Holmes, and many more. Segments were filmed from many places around the world including Squaw Valley, Keystone, British Columbia, Italy, Haines, Sweden, and Crested Butte.
My only complaint about In Deep, as with most ski movies, is their lack of female athletes. In Deep boasts that they feature Michelle Parker and Ingrid Backstrom. But, these females are “featured” in a tiny segment which also highlights other male athletes. The total female presence in this movie is probably around 1-2 minutes. These women may not ski quite as aggressive lines as some of the male skiers, but when given the opportunity, these girls can hold their own. They ski with such finesse that viewers rarely realize the difficulty of the lines they ski. Ski movies need more of these women.
Anyone who has seen In Deep will tell you that the most memorable part is at the end, featuring the last ski base jumps performed by Shane McConkey. The somber story is told in voice-over by JT Holmes, who was base jumping with McConkey when he skied off a cliff to his instant death. This heartbreaking account is followed by other “Shane stories”, celebrating his life and revealing what a funny, clever, and wonderful person he was.
All in all, In Deep is a movie to be seen. This movie not only commemorates the life and death of McConkey, but it reveals the growing success of the once-small filmmaking company, Matchstick Productions.
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