Storm Surfers 3D (Justin McMillan, Christopher Nelius, 2012): Australia

Reviewed by Jillian P. Halverstadt.  Viewed at the Metro 4 Theatre, Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

I was very reluctant to see this film as it was being shown in 3D and I imagined it would turn out to be just another generic sports documentary. I never could’ve imagined that I would be sitting on the edge of my seat, pen vigorously scribbling as I attempted to record each aspect of these heavenly shots that had me staring at the screen the entire time in awe.

Produced by the likes of Red Bull Media House, (as well as, Australia based companies, 6ixty Foot Films and Firelight Productions) the packed crowd in Theatre II knew they were in for an epic ride.  The story follows two surf legends, Tom Carroll and Ross Clark-Jones, as they continue to scour the world’s most dangerous ocean storms for some new and unclaimed waves to ride together.  Directors Justin McMillan and Christopher Nelius give us a peak at what the crew is like behind the scenes as they prepare for each surfing trip and we get a feel for the group dynamic.  Ben Matson, the professional surf forecaster, is often the serious one while Ross is shown blowing fire out at a remote control helicopter that Tom is flying.  There are also serious moments  that shed light on the real danger and sacrifice the sport involves as Tom’s main concern is his wife and three daughters and he knows that he cannot take the same risks he did when he was younger.  There are strong themes of friendship and following your dreams no matter what in this original documentary.  No matter how much the crew messes around and teases each other, in the end they are a team and are always looking out for one another.

This was not like any other documentary I had seen before. The cinematography, done by Dave Maguire, was nothing short of pure magic.  There was every kind of camera shot you could imagine  with cameras attached to the tip of the surf boards, the backs of the jet ski’s  and even held at the end of a long, metal arm at any angle by the surfers themselves.  At times I would catch myself feeling like I was in the wave with them, taking that fall too.

All elements of mise-en-scene were working together in full force to create the end result of this award winning masterpiece.  Music by Richard Tognetti and Michael Yezerski provided the perfect background tone to every wonderful shot of Australia’s deep blue oceans and the action-packed shots that were filmed upon them.

This is an inspring film that I would recommend to anyone.  You do not have to be a surfer or thrill seeker to appreciate the messages in Storm Surfers.  The only requirement is to sit back and enjoy the ride.