In 2015, big mountain freeskiers Jérémie Heitz and Sam Anthamatten skied some of the most iconic 4,000 metre peaks in the Swiss Alps in a documentary called “La Liste.” Then, in 2018, they tackled 6,000 metre mountains in their thrilling sequel, “La Liste: Everything or Nothing” from Red Bull Studios.
Examining Risk, Friendship, and More
One of the more interesting aspects of the documentary is learning all about what they do; the meticulous planning that goes into finding these mountains and then climbing them. It involves incredible risk and sometimes no reward, as some mountains don’t have have strong enough terrain to even ski. The incredible thing is their team would be the first going on the mountain for their purposes. It’s all an incredible adventure up the mountain; resulting in a thrilling one-and-done trip down. It’s quite the experience watching it yet alone living it, shown by great cinematography. My palms were sweaty more than a few times here.
As well, the film features a very fun friendship between skiers Heitz and Anthamatten, adding to the entertainment and human element of the film, complementing the thrills. The pair are asked if for their friendship it was love at first sight, since their friendship started so naturally. “No it wasn’t love at first sight because is French,” said Anthmatten.
The film also harbors a surprising emotional core, as we see how scary and unforgiving the mountain can be…”
The film also harbors a surprising emotional core, as we see how scary and unforgiving the mountain can be when either mistakes are made, or dumb luck strikes. It’s true what one of the interviewees, “Free Solo” co-director Jimmy Chin says, “Most accidents in mountaineering happen on the descent.” Despite the risk and as a trauma like that brings a tight-knit group together, it’s so evident why Heitz and Anthamatten love doing what they do. They, at one point, compare mountains to cathedrals. The experience seems unparalleled, and “La Liste: Everything or Nothing” does indeed offer that scope.
The interview
For the website’s podcast on YouTube, The Movie Buff Show, myself and staff writer Arpit Nayak were able to speak with the film’s stars, Jérémie Heitz and Sam Anthamatten about their experiences in general, and of course their experience making the documentary. The interview felt like a unique opportunity being able to speak with athletes for a film.
In the interview, the pair covered what first got them into skiing, how they get into a type of skiing like this one, the importance of picking team members you trust, being on a mountain that no one has been on before, anything that scares them about the experience, their favourite mountains and more in between. Find that interview embedded below.
As well, if you want to check out the film, “La Liste: Everything or Nothing” is available to watch in theatres with scheduled screenings, many of which are taking place tomorrow, Jan. 28. You can go right here to see if the film will be playing near you.
