Climb Dance

"Climb Dance" is a captivating short film from 1990 directed by Jean Louis Mourey. This film is not the typical action-packed or drama-filled cinematic experience. It is a unique documentary-style film focusing more on intensity, speed, skill, and the raw beauty of nature showcased through the exhilarating world of automobile racing. What makes it truly stand out is its central character, celebrated rally driver Ari Vatanen, whose talent, tenacity, and courage make the film a compelling watch.

"Climb Dance" is set against the backdrop of the world's most challenging and dangerous motorsport event, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado, USA. Known among racers as the "Race to the Clouds," this competition features a racecourse that ascends toward Pikes Peak's high-altitude summit of 14,110 feet, with dozens of heart-stopping turns along the way. This exciting and reckless motor race binding drivers, machines, and nature offers a thrilling real-life experience to the audience.

Ari Vatanen, the star of the film, presents a masterclass in precision, control, and sheer driving skill. The Finnish rally driver, known for his aggressive and fearlessly fast driving style, is world-renowned for being the 1981 World Rally Championship winner. In "Climb Dance," viewers have a chance to witness Vatanen's daredevilry as he navigates a Peugeot 405 T16 GR up the potentially lethal cliffside track at truly terrifying speeds.

The film captures the essence of the Pikes Peak race with a remarkable use of camera work. It combines a mixture of in-car, trackside, and aerial shots that provide an exhilarating view of the rugged landscape, the sinuous road, and the car dancing on the edge of control. This unique documentary-style film uses well-crafted cinematography to convey the feel of racing across a picturesque but treacherous landscape that combines adventure with danger.

While the racing action forms the heart of "Climb Dance," Vatanen's breathtaking skill and audacity provide its soul. The seamless blend of man and machine echoes throughout the film. From managing the manual gear changes, twists, and turns to handling the unpredictability of the ever-changing road surface and weather conditions, every aspect is a testament to Vatanen's capabilities as one of the world's best rally drivers.

Precision aside, what grips the viewer is the dramatic tension that pervades the film. "Climb Dance" focuses not only on Vatanen's racing skill but also on the singular bravery it takes to tackle such a faltering course at high speeds. Here is a man equipped with nothing but a car, a helmet, and an enormous amount of courage, racing at the edge of a cliff against time, nature, and his own limits.

The film also highlights through its scenes the unforgiving and relentless nature of the course along with the risks involved. Yet, it gives a sense of raw beauty that such a race is held against the backdrop of majestic mountains and beneath vast, clear skies. The natural elements almost become separate characters in the story, with the blinding sun peeking out from the clouds, casting long shadows across the track, adding layers to the visual storytelling.

The auditory side of the film allows viewers to experience the roar of the car engine and the screech of tires biting into gravel and asphalt alike, generating an adrenaline-filled ambience that makes viewers' pulses quicken. Viewers can almost smell the burning rubber and feel the vibrations from the car's engine, so immersive is the sound design.

"Climb Dance" does not rely on any narrative, characters, or plot as in a traditional film. Still, it is packed with as much emotion, power, and intensity as any full-length motion picture. It is a short film that speaks volumes about the indomitable human spirit, the quest for adventure, and the pursuit of excellence. "Climb Dance" is a testament to the ethos of rallying, presenting a spectacle that leaves viewers spellbound. Moreover, it is a fitting tribute to a legend like Ari Vatanen, making it a must-watch for not only motorsport fans but for any viewer who appreciates a beautiful, real-life drama of skill against all odds.