[Andy W]

This video has come up on here before, I think the filmmaker was crowdfunding. Can't believe he actually made it. As well as the abuses mentioned by Andy above, we mustn't forget Eric Gill and his bestiality, i.e. his pet dog.

Absolute crap!

[andy popp]

There is an earlier thread from 2014 (which I don't remember seeing); the film maker was crowdfunding. Here he (presumably) is from that thread talking about their intentions for the film:

"There can be no legitimate account of Eric Gill that omits the scandalous aspects to his personal life. However, the subject of our film is not scandal. Though we will touch on his life honestly, we will also explore the lives and influence of a huge many others, and their contributions to their crafts. Without side-stepping the issue of Gill’s past or anybody else’s, we will nonetheless choose to focus on his, and their, creative achievements. Eric Gill is arguably the greatest letter cutter of the 20th century (and one of the most influential sculptors, typographers, wood cutters, amongst many other talents). Rather than deny his artistic genius and shun his beautiful works, we think it more useful and intelligent to try to understand how such a complex figure arrived at his remarkable innovations."

Except that the finished film (assuming this isn't a trailer) attempts to do absolutely none of that.

In particular, why say this - "Without side-stepping the issue of Gill’s past or anybody else’s, we will nonetheless choose to focus on his, and their, creative achievements." - if you don't want to invite a direct comparison, whilst also, however accidentally, implying that Eric Gill is not the only one with a past that might need side stepping.

There still seems to be a grim determination to reason away Eric Gill's abuses. See this 2017 article from the Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2017/apr/09/eric-gill-the-body-ditchling-exhibition-rachel-cooke

[Andy W]

I think it's just a trailer, hopefully the film was never made. I've worked with two of the funders/supporters listed on the vimeo version; Newlyn Art Gallery and Inland Festival, I would be surprised if they had supported or funded such a film. I think ultimately it was a stab at something by a young film maker, the support he had would have been for making a trailer R&D etc, hence the subsequent crowdfunding.

I suppose ultimately I don't like to see John Gill (hero, to me and many) juxtaposed next to a justifiably controversial figure such as Eric Gill. Plus it's also just a very flimsy proposition conceptually.

[andy popp]

I think it's just a trailer, hopefully the film was never made.

I don't know, his website says there is a longer, 16 minute version (shown at festivals I guess). I was also surprised by some of the funders and prizes named across.

And like you, I just really dislike the very explicit comparison the film makes.

[Andy W]

ah ok, have you a link for the website?

[andy popp]

https://louis-jack.com

[mrjonathanr]

I quite like the essay in film voiceover approach, but know nothing about Eric Gill and the film does not make a coherent case for the link between the two, or anything much really. Shame; there’s an argument to be made about the aesthetics of climbers and craftsmen.(Also a bit odd that the only woman is completely silent- how does Lucy fit into this?).

Perrin wrote up an interview with Pat Littlejohn years ago where listening to his accounts of new routing put him in mind of a cabinet maker discussing grains and textures. Not for nothing that Malcolm’s holds were marketed under Stonesmith either.

Looking forward to the next instalment with Johnny as Caravaggio.

[r-man]

I quite like the essay in film voiceover approach, but know nothing about Eric Gill and the film does not make a coherent case for the link between the two, or anything much really. Shame; there’s an argument to be made about the aesthetics of climbers and craftsmen.(Also a bit odd that the only woman is completely silent- how does Lucy fit into this?).

I had similar thoughts. I thought it was worth sharing as an interesting curiosity. I wasn't completely convinced by the comparison, and a bit confused by Lucy...but I like being challenged to see a different perspective. Especially where the subject is something so familiar, like climbing, that I wear like an old slipper, and rarely see with new eyes.

One or two of the lines did catch my attention. I liked the reflection on hardened skin, pads that transmitted feeling. Made me think of cat's paws.

I didn't know about Eric Gill. If I had I'm sure I would have watched it with a frown. Seems a poor choice.

[andy popp]

Just to be clear Robin, absolutely zero criticism of you for posting it.

[andy_e]

Although I am the subject of this video, which should preclude me from posting it here, I am submitting it to this thread for the following reasons:

• - Hamfunk's excellent editing skills
• - The airtime and stack from the top (Spot me darling!)
• - Teddy's shorts

[AMorris]

really enjoyed that! Definitely deserving of a place in this thread.

Would love to do Malcs arete, what a line.

[36chambers]

nice one Andy, brilliant top out tekkers.

[spidermonkey09]

You bastard! Great effort.

[andy_e]

It did take me another three sessions (or probably ~12 goes) since you were there!

[monkey boy]

Excellent display of spotting too!

[Ross Barker]

Phooaar, nice one! On the life goal list for most UK boulderers I imagine

[turnipturned]

Well done Andy. Imagine how easy things would feel if you didn't wear skinny jeans climbing.

[andy_e]

1% elastane and slim fit... Practically as flexible as lycra!

[Fiend]

this really does put the MELLOW into mellow  . Also the sticking of that hand bump at 0:35.

[36chambers]

That climb looks incredible

[teestub]

That hero move into the jug looks very satisfying.

[SA Chris]

Although I am the subject of this video

Nice one Andy. I don't think I've ever seen anyone not do the double throw for the top, gives me hope that it might actually be possible for me.

[andy_e]

You and I share a similar gift so you should also be able to keep your feet on when you hit the top!

[SA Chris]

My "bulk" might be a differentiator though. Maybe have another crack in spring, post ultramarathon training!

[AMorris]

this really does put the MELLOW into mellow  . Also the sticking of that hand bump at 0:35.

wow what a cool line. My god this might be the first mellow video in a while that I haven't needed to mute