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A deep dive into the exhilarating world of “Space Cowboy”
The surreal universe of Joe Jennings
Imagine looking up and seeing entire dining room sets, cars, and living rooms—with people inside them—hurtling toward Earth. It might make you think, “Is this the end of the world?” But such sky-bound spectacles are actually the brainchild of Joe Jennings, a “freefall cinematographer” who’s spent years perfecting and filming these surreal stunts. Known for his “insane passion for dropping large objects from the sky,” Jennings is the subject of the new documentary, “Space Cowboy.” This film, co-directed with Bryce Leavitt, follows a decade after “Sunshine Superman,” an exploration of BASE jumping pioneer Carl Boenish, providing a thematically and stylistically similar companion piece.
The man behind the skydives
Jennings’ journey into extreme sports cinematography began in an unconventional way. Diagnosed with ADHD, his early years were characterized by a tumultuous upbringing that included attending a hippie-commune school and later surviving farm life after his parents’ divorce. Growing up labeled “Joe Dirt” by peers, Jennings found solace and strength in outdoor activities, which eventually made him more resilient against bullying. His resilience would prove crucial as he transitioned into adulthood, moving to California for college in 1980 and meeting his future wife, Sissy, who was captivated by his adventurous spirit.
The birth of camera flying
By the early ’90s, Jennings was diving headfirst into “camera flying.” This niche involved jumping with fellow skydivers to film their descents using a helmet-mounted camera. He was particularly fascinated by “freestylers,” divers who performed intricate aerial maneuvers before deploying their parachutes. This led to a fruitful partnership with Rob Harris, a multifaceted athlete whose mid-air breakdancing stunts became a sensation. Riding the wave of the emerging extreme sports culture, Jennings’ work soon attracted lucrative opportunities in commercials, TV shows, and movies, including partnerships with major brands and blockbusters.
Triumphs and tragedies
Yet, Jennings’ career was marked by profound highs and lows. The “full-on bromance” with Rob Harris tragically ended in 1995 when Harris died in a rig-malfunction accident during a shoot in Canada. This loss plunged Jennings into melancholy, a state exacerbated by the death of another collaborator, French skysurfing pioneer Patrick de Gayardon, three years later. Despite these personal and professional setbacks, Jennings found a way to continue his life’s work, driven by an unrelenting passion for skydiving.
The quest for the holy grail of stunts
The heart of “Space Cowboy” chronicles Jennings and his team’s pursuit of “the Holy Grail of flying objects.” This ambitious project involved perfecting the drop of a junkyard car from a plane—ensuring it could plummet without uncontrollable spinning or tilting. The car was even designed to carry passengers, who would deploy their parachutes at the last possible moment. While the documentary does not fully explain the purpose behind these stunts, Jennings sees them as art forms, comparable to the ephemeral sculptures of Andy Goldsworthy or temporary wraps by Christo.
Visual and musical storytelling
The documentary skillfully interweaves archival footage, including clips of Rob Harris, with high-quality new material shot by Tony Johansson, reflecting the evolution of video technology over the decades. The soundtrack, filled with pop rock hits from the Me Decade like Three Dog Night, ELO, and Big Star—alongside tracks from Fugazi and Eels—provides a nostalgic yet energetic backdrop that enhances the film’s emotional impact.
Overcoming personal struggles
Jennings’ wife and son, Joey, offer candid insights into the emotional toll of his career. Joey acknowledges that he, too, faces the risk of clinical depression, a condition his father has battled intermittently. Nevertheless, despite these challenges on the ground, Jennings finds his true zest for life in the sky, succinctly summarizing his passion with, “Here I am, 61, and I have not grown up at all.”
Reflecting on the legacy
“Space Cowboy” not only tells the story of an extraordinary individual but also celebrates the artistry of aerial cinematography. It invites viewers to appreciate the blend of technical innovation and sheer athleticism that defines extreme sports filmmaking. As the documentary continues to make waves on the festival circuit, it undoubtedly solidifies Jennings’ standing in the annals of extreme sports history.
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