The 2015 documentary “Conquering the Useless,” directed by Matt Sheridan, presents a compelling look into the world of professional skiing, specifically following the acclaimed skier Cody Townsend in his pursuit of an ultimate ski line within the formidable Boundary Range of Canada. However, to categorize this film merely as a collection of extreme skiing feats would be a disservice to its nuanced narrative. “Conquering the Useless” distinguishes itself by delving into the personal challenges, motivations, and intricate relationships that underpin such ambitious endeavors, offering a perspective that extends beyond adrenaline-fueled descents. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the film for prospective viewers, exploring its production history, dissecting its plot and characters, examining its reception among critics, and considering its reach within the broader audience.
The Genesis of an Independent Ski Documentary
The genesis of “Conquering the Useless” lies in the collaborative vision of professional skier Cody Townsend and director Matt Sheridan. Townsend, alongside his wife, award-winning freeride skier Elyse Saugstad, served as an executive producer for the project. Sheridan, known for his previous work on the documentary “Birdmen” which explored the world of wingsuit jumping, brought his expertise in capturing human ambition within extreme environments to the ski film genre. The film’s principal photography took place across several locations in British Columbia, Canada, including Revelstoke and Bella Coola, culminating in the challenging terrain of the Boundary Mountains bordering Alaska. This independent production marked a deliberate departure for Townsend, who sought to move beyond the conventional “heli-ski segments” that had characterized much of his earlier career. Instead, “Conquering the Useless” emphasizes the arduous approach to the mountains, the day-to-day challenges faced by the crew, and the meticulous planning involved in reaching their objective, contrasting with the often purely action-oriented nature of traditional ski films. Notably, Townsend made a conscious choice to minimize the reliance on helicopters, opting for a more demanding, self-supported expedition utilizing snowmobiles to access remote and challenging terrain. This decision to embrace a more authentic and less conventional approach likely stems from a desire to connect more deeply with the mountain environment and to showcase the raw effort involved in pursuing such ambitious ski lines. Sheridan himself acknowledged the difficulties inherent in this approach, highlighting the challenging weather conditions and the sheer effort required to transport equipment into the backcountry.
Plot Overview: The Quest for the Ultimate Line
The central narrative of “Conquering the Useless” revolves around Cody Townsend’s ambition to discover another “ultimate line” following the widespread recognition he received for his viral “Line Of The Year” ski run. This quest leads him and his team into the remote and unforgiving landscape of the Boundary Range in Canada. The film vividly portrays the perilous conditions they encounter amidst the region’s massive glaciers, underscoring the inherent risks associated with their pursuit. Throughout their journey, each member of the team grapples with the delicate balance between the allure of achieving their skiing goals and the potential consequences of the risks they undertake. The documentary format allows the film to capture the genuine and unfiltered reactions of the skiers as they face these challenges, revealing the deeply personal significance of this adventure for everyone involved. Interspersed with the footage from the main expedition are scenes filmed in Revelstoke and Bella Coola, British Columbia, providing additional context and showcasing the broader skiing environment. The narrative structure of the film carefully builds towards a climactic moment centered around a particularly challenging and significant ski line, creating a sense of anticipation and highlighting the culmination of their efforts. The film’s emphasis on the “internal struggles with risk vs reward” suggests a deeper exploration of the human drive to push boundaries and the psychological factors that come into play when facing potentially life-threatening situations. This focus on the mental aspect of extreme sports adds a layer of intellectual engagement beyond the visual spectacle. The choice of a documentary style further reinforces the film’s commitment to presenting an authentic and unvarnished account of the expedition, allowing viewers to witness the realities of backcountry skiing in a remote and demanding environment. The narrative arc, centered on the search for an “ultimate line,” provides a clear and compelling objective that guides the film and allows the audience to connect with the skiers’ aspirations.
The Team: Individuals Pushing the Limits
The individuals who venture into the frozen wilderness in “Conquering the Useless” form a core group of dedicated and skilled skiers. Cody Townsend stands as the central figure, his initial viral success serving as a catalyst for this new ambitious quest for the ultimate ski line. Beyond the pursuit of extreme skiing feats, the film portrays Townsend’s desire to evolve his approach to the sport, seeking more challenging and authentic experiences. Elyse Saugstad, a highly accomplished skier in her own right, is an integral part of Townsend’s crew, demonstrating both exceptional skiing ability and remarkable resilience in the face of the inherent dangers of their environment. Chris Rubens is also a key member of the team, recognized for his expertise and skill as a “badass ski mountaineer,” suggesting his proficiency in navigating and conquering challenging mountain terrain. The film also highlights the developing relationship between Townsend and Dave Treadway, showcasing the camaraderie and shared experiences that emerge during their demanding expedition. The inclusion of Saugstad in the expedition not only showcases another top-tier athlete but also offers a glimpse into the dynamic between her and Townsend as a professional skiing couple navigating the challenges and rewards of their shared passion. Rubens’ specific designation as a ski mountaineer suggests that the film will emphasize the technical skills and mountaineering knowledge crucial for their self-supported adventure, adding another layer of expertise to the team. The focus on the evolving relationship between Townsend and Treadway hints at a narrative thread that explores the bonds formed under pressure and the importance of teamwork in achieving ambitious goals in extreme environments.
Critical Reception: Beyond the Thrill
Critical reception of “Conquering the Useless” has been largely positive, with reviewers highlighting its unique approach and thematic depth. The Blister Review emphasized that the film’s story and underlying themes resonate with a broad audience, extending beyond just those who are passionate about skiing. The review noted the film’s exploration of the complex relationship between humans and the mountain environment, as well as its examination of broader personal relationships and individual values. Furthermore, the reviewer offered the insightful perspective that “Conquering the Useless” is less about the act of conquering and more about the process of self-examination and understanding. Dave Treadway’s perspective on the potentially dangerous yet addictive nature of the relationship with mountains was also highlighted as a particularly thought-provoking element of the film. The film’s premiere also garnered significant positive attention, with a fully packed theater indicating a strong initial interest and enthusiastic reception from the audience. One reviewer considered it to be among the best solo projects to emerge within the increasingly popular genre of athlete-produced films, suggesting its originality and high quality. The consistent praise for the film’s narrative and thematic richness in the Blister Review suggests that it successfully transcends the typical action-focused approach often found in ski documentaries, offering a more profound and relatable experience for viewers. The enthusiastic audience response at the premiere further supports the film’s ability to connect with viewers on an emotional level and deliver a compelling cinematic experience. Comparing the film favorably to other athlete-produced projects underscores its success in a field where athletes are increasingly taking ownership of their storytelling, indicating a high level of production value and narrative sophistication.
Distribution and Reach
Information regarding the specific box office performance of “Conquering the Useless” is not readily available within the provided research snippets. However, it is noted that the film was primarily distributed as an online digital download. This distribution strategy suggests a targeted approach towards reaching its core audience of skiing and adventure enthusiasts who are likely to consume media through digital platforms. This method of distribution offers the filmmakers greater control over their release and can be a cost-effective way to reach a niche audience. Additionally, the film was screened at various film festivals and events, which can contribute to its visibility and build its reputation within the skiing and adventure filmmaking communities. Screenings at festivals can also generate critical acclaim and potentially lead to broader distribution opportunities in the future.
Cast and Crew: The Team Behind the Lens
The cast of “Conquering the Useless” is led by the central figures of the expedition: Cody Townsend, Elyse Saugstad, Chris Rubens, and Dave Treadway. Behind the camera, Matt Sheridan served as the director and editor, shaping the narrative and visual style of the film. Athan Merrick is credited as a principal cameraman, capturing the breathtaking and often challenging environments. The film also benefited from the artistic contributions of Nick Franchi, who created the artwork, Todd Casper, who composed the trailer music, and Lindon Williams, who handled the crucial task of color correction. The relatively small size of the core production team is typical of many independent documentaries, often fostering a more intimate and focused approach to filmmaking. This can contribute to the film’s authentic feel and allow for a more direct and personal portrayal of the subjects and their experiences.
The Art of Capturing the Extreme: Cinematography
The visual storytelling in “Conquering the Useless” has been praised for its artistry and effectiveness in capturing the essence of the skiing experience and the beauty of the natural environment. The Blister Review specifically highlighted the “understated opening credit sequence” and the thoughtful selection of music throughout the film. The descriptions of “well-timed pow butter” and “finely shaped booter[s]” suggest a keen eye for capturing the technical aspects and visual appeal of freestyle skiing maneuvers. The reviewer also commended the film for painting a “perfect picture of skiing, travel, and life in the outdoors,” indicating a successful integration of the action with the broader context of the adventure. Furthermore, the film was lauded for its “beautiful skiing” and “beautiful scenery,” underscoring the visual splendor of the Canadian backcountry and the skill of the athletes navigating it. These positive remarks on the cinematography suggest that the film not only documents an extreme skiing expedition but also crafts a visually engaging and aesthetically pleasing experience for the viewer. The attention to detail in the opening sequence, music selection, and the capture of specific skiing techniques indicates a deliberate and artistic approach to the filmmaking process.
Factual Data and Ratings
To provide a comprehensive overview, it is important to consider the factual data and ratings associated with “Conquering the Useless.”
| Platform | Rating | Popularity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMDb | N/A | N/A | Information not found in provided snippets. |
| TMDB | 7.0 | 2.384 | Based on the official TMDB page (as of December 14, 2024). |
| Rotten Tomatoes | N/A | N/A | Information not found in provided snippets. |
| Blister Review | Positive | N/A | Emphasizes story, theme, and appeal to skiers and non-skiers. |
| Premiere Audience | Positive | High | Sold-out event, indicating strong initial interest. |
The data from TMDB indicates a positive reception from users on that platform. The absence of readily available ratings from IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes in the provided snippets suggests that the film might not have received widespread coverage on these major aggregation sites, which is not uncommon for independent documentaries with a niche focus.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Descent
In conclusion, “Conquering the Useless” emerges as a noteworthy documentary that transcends the typical expectations of a ski film. Directed with a keen eye by Matt Sheridan and driven by Cody Townsend’s desire for a more authentic and challenging experience, the film offers a compelling narrative that explores the personal motivations, inherent risks, and profound relationships forged in the pursuit of extreme skiing in a remote and unforgiving environment. The positive reception from critics, particularly the emphasis on the film’s thematic depth and its appeal beyond skiing enthusiasts, suggests that it successfully connects with a broader audience interested in adventure and human stories. While specific box office figures remain elusive, the strategic choice of a digital distribution model and successful screenings at film festivals indicate a focused effort to reach its target audience. The talented cast and crew, including the skilled cinematography, bring the beauty and intensity of the backcountry skiing experience to life. For those seeking more than just adrenaline-pumping action and are interested in a thoughtful exploration of the human spirit in the face of challenging natural landscapes, “Conquering the Useless” is a film that warrants attention. Its ability to examine the “uselessness” of such endeavors and find profound meaning within them is ultimately what makes this documentary a compelling and rewarding viewing experience.