To me there are several things that make this film
both likeable and unique.
To begin with - unlike many surf filmmakers - Jamie Budge is a highly
skilled and accomplished surfer in his own right, and it's that gifted athlete's "eye"
which gives him an edge when choosing the surfers, the waves and the shots in the film.
It's like he's not just shooting a film about someone else surfing, he's making a film about the people, places and waves he knows.
Then there are the film's many sequences of Miki Dora's artistry. They are simply superb and demonstrate why
Da Cat will always be considered Malibu's supreme Wavemaster.
The film's other featured surfers also read like a who's who of 60's surfing elite: Johnny Fain, Dewey Weber, Lance Carson, Harold Iggy, Mike Doyle, Rusty Miller, John Peck, Rick Irons,
L.J. Richards, Corky Carroll, Mickey Muņoz, Denny Lennehan, Robert
August, Mike Hynsen, Ron Sizemore and David Nuuhiwa ... plus
dynamic young, up-and-coming talents like Mark Martinson, Jo Jo Perrin and Jackie Baxter.
There is also rare surfing footage of Malibu locals like Richard Roche, Dave Rochlen,
Robbie Dick, Bob "Porkchops" Barron,
John Gale, Brian Haimes, George Szgetti, Dave Stewart, Paul Resnick,
Greg Jackson and H2o magazine publisher, Martin Surgarman.
Of course, these were the days before surfing wetsuits and leashes ... a
time when surfing expeditions up and down the Californian coast were
genuine "real-life adventures" and something to look forward to. After all, old cars
- like the ones shown in the film - were cheap, gas was around 25 cents a gallon and the Pacific Coast Highway
still connected coastal communities rather than separating them as it
does today.
Captured beautifully by Jamie's camera the film takes us on a journey up and down Highway 101
in the early-to-mid '60's and gives us nostalgic glimpses of the coast
the way it was before the money changers took over the temple.
Today's viewers will also see Southern Californian surfing spots as they
once were and even some that no longer exist, like Stanley's, the Rincon Oil Piers and Dana Point.
My only criticism of the film is a small one.
While the accompanying background music track comes through both stereo channels, the narration is only on the left channel.
And it's only a criticism because Jamie Budge's dry, infectuous humor makes the narration worth
following.
All in all The Living Curl is a "must see" for all those interested in surfing's rich history,
as well as anyone wanting to enjoy a
fun filled 79 minute surfing film that combines all the elements
required to make it a classic.
Note: you can purchase a DVD of The Living Curl by visiting http://www.thelivingcurl.com
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