The sky’s the limit: A deep dive into ‘Space Cowboy’
A cinematic journey through the highs and lows of Joe Jennings
In the Toronto Film Festival documentary Space Cowboy, the exhilarating and often perilous life of skydiving cinematographer Joe Jennings is brought to the forefront. Directed by Marah Strauch and Bryce Leavitt, this 98-minute film captures Jennings’ ambition to film an open-top automobile falling from the sky with four passengers, a narrative device that structures the story.
The man behind the lens
Joe Jennings is not just any cinematographer; he has spent decades capturing breathtaking aerial moments for extreme sports competitions, Super Bowl commercials, and Hollywood films like Charlie’s Angels and XXX. His successful marriage and professional triumphs are juxtaposed with darker periods of his life, including a difficult childhood, battles with depression, and the tragic loss of his friend and fellow skydiver Rob Harris in the mid-nineties.
Crafting the narrative
When asked about the inception of Space Cowboy, Jennings shared that it all began about five years ago when Bryce Leavitt hired him to film skydiving for a project. Leavitt’s growing curiosity about the skydiving community and Jennings’ work led to a friendship and eventually, the rights to Jennings’ life story. “His curiosity is what sold me,” Jennings said, reflecting on the journey that led to the documentary.
The flying car stunt
Leavitt and Strauch decided to structure the documentary around Jennings’ daring “flying car” stunt. Leavitt explained, “I didn’t want this to be an archival docu mixed with talking head interviews. I wanted to mix in what Joe was doing in the present day because I thought that was very relevant to the story.” The idea of getting a car to fly perfectly resonated with Jennings’ character and craft, making it a central theme of the film.
Strauch added, ”Structurally, it feels really good to get to know Joe while he is doing something that he loves and is passionate about. When he is trying to get this car to fly, you can see his passion and his sense of humor. It also serves as a reprieve from some of the darker components of his story.”
The shadows of loss
Jennings has faced significant losses in his life, including the deaths of his friends Rob Harris and Patrick de Gayardon due to skydiving accidents. These tragedies led him into a deep depression, but he never considered quitting skydiving. “There were times when I thought that maybe I should move on to something else,” Jennings admitted. “But the answer was always no way. I’m going to keep doing it. I still absolutely love it.”
Revisiting the past
Rehashing his childhood, depression, and the tragic deaths of his friends was not easy for Jennings. “Depression has filtered in and out of my life in different shades and it was very intense,” he said. However, he emphasized that the film is not a sad movie. “I’ve had an incredible life and I wouldn’t trade it with anyone in the world.”
A film for the ages
Space Cowboy is more than just a documentary; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and passion. Submarine is handling the sales of the film, and it promises to be a captivating watch for anyone interested in the world of extreme sports and the stories behind the people who push the boundaries.
Watch an exclusive clip from the documentary here.
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, Space Cowboy offers a unique blend of adrenaline-pumping action and heartfelt storytelling. The film not only showcases Jennings’ incredible feats but also delves into the emotional and psychological aspects of his life, making it a must-watch.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit the Space Cowboy page.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive look at Space Cowboy, offering insights and reflections that enrich the reader’s understanding of the film and its subject. Whether you’re a fan of extreme sports, a cinema aficionado, or someone who appreciates compelling human stories, this documentary is sure to leave a lasting impression.