Super Frenchie provides an intimate look at the life of professional skier and BASE jumper Matthias Giraud, who stops at nothing to pursue his passion for adventure.
The film follows Matthias as he dares ever more dangerous stunts while simultaneously falling in love and starting a family. When he crashes during a daredevil-stunt right before the birth of his first child, his perspective on life changes drastically, but his hunger for extreme sports still calls out to him. It’s one of these events in which a person has to decide what’s really important in life and how to move forward in order to live a happy life.
This documentary is very personal, but for some reason I felt disconnected with Matthias. He’s extremely talented and crazy at the same time, but I feel like his story was too slim to fully stretch out into a feature documentary. It’s wonderful to witness his fight for survival, while we also get a look behind the scenes of his incredible stunts. And although I respect his accomplishments and was watching his BASE jump routines in awe, I couldn’t help but feel bored.
Director Chase Ogden switches too often between archival footage and interviews to be able to tell Matthias’ journey in a cohesive and flowing way, making Super Frenchie look amateurish where it should’ve felt more majestic considering the life-or-death situations Matthias puts himself in.
Super Frenchie is an admirable look into what drives a BASE jumper who’s willing to risk his own life for the sake of thrills. There’s a lack of focus in the way the story is told, which is disappointing when you’re documenting the life of someone who’s always aiming for the next big challenge.
Releasing on June 4, 2021 In Theaters, Virtual Cinemas, and TVOD
Review – Super Frenchie
Reviewed online (screener provided by publicist), May 30, 2021. Rating: TBC. Running time: 77 min.
PRODUCTION: A Greenwich Entertainment release of a Roped In Productions production. Producers: Kiah S. Jones, Andy McDonough, Chase Ogden, Jason Reid.
CREW: Director/editing: Chase Ogden. Writers: Andy McDonough, Chase Ogden. Music: Jonathan Haidle, Bradley Laina.