Don't Look Down

Don't Look Down is a stirring and captivating documentary film directed by Daniel Gordon and released in 2016. The film delves into the life of the highly acclaimed business tycoon Sir Richard Branson and pays special focus to his daring and audacious hot-air balloon ventures. Apart from Sir Richard, the film also prominently features Eve Branson, Richard's mother and his early life supporter, and Mike Kendrick, his long-time friend, and business associate.

The 90-minute documentary paints a detailed picture of Branson’s relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries and breaking convention, demonstrating what he refers to as the 'Virgin spirit.' Known as one of the world's most successful entrepreneurs, Richard Branson is the suave and audacious brain behind Virgin Group, a leading international investment company controlling over 400 firms. However, Don't Look Down is less about his celebrated business empire and more about Richard's unparalleled spirit of adventure and the inherent risk-taking that has defined his life.

Branson's life has been punctuated by a series of life-threatening adventures and the documentary minutely chronicles this aspect. The narrative centralizes on two of the most peril-fraught expeditions Branson undertook in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The first is the 1987 Transatlantic voyage in the Virgin Atlantic Flyer, where Branson became the first man to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a hot air balloon. The second is the 1991 Pacific crossing, another audacious hot-air balloon adventure where Branson floated from Japan to Arctic Canada.

The film imparts a riveting account of these two ventures, serving up a blend of breath-taking archival footage with replications of tense moments, numerous interviews, and detailed narratives. The viewers are taken along for the thrilling flights, as Branson and his crew battle mechanical failures, confronting terrors of falling into the icy ocean or spiraling into the cold space. The suspenseful storytelling, punctuated by the looming danger, keeps the viewers glued to the screen.

Interweaving these harrowing rides, the documentary also sheds light on the making of Richard Branson, the daredevil entrepreneur. We get a glimpse of his early life, the influences, and the motivations that propelled him to court danger time and time again, shaping his persona. Don't Look Down showcases Richard's mother, Eve Branson, who herself was quite the adventuress and influencer. The viewers get profound insights into their unique mother-son relationship, where Eve's resilient spirit, guidance, and unbound faith in her son emerge as a strong motivator behind Richard's fearless demeanor.

Equally important to this saga is Mike Kendrick, Branson's long-term friend, mentor, and collaborator. Kendrick was an integral part of the hot-air balloon expeditions as well as other adventurous pursuits undertaken by Branson. He emerges as a rational partner to Richard's daredevilry, his pragmatism a counter to Branson's adventurous overreach.

Throughout the narrative, it becomes apparent that Branson's adventures were not merely thrill-seeking escapades. Richard saw them as a chance to publicize his brands, albeit in an unconventional manner. The risky escapades that fetched headlines globally were a part of his marketing strategy - an unorthodox self-promotion that also fueled his personal inclination towards unparalleled adventure.

Don’t Look Down is a remarkable documentary about a remarkable human being. It takes the viewers into the heart of Branson’s passion for life and adventure, his courage despite the near-death experiences. It's an exploration of Branson's indomitable spirit, his relentless pursuit of living life to the fullest, and his unwavering determination to push the boundaries. Don’t Look Down is sure to inspire viewers with its riveting storytelling and compelling portrayal of a man who refuses to be ordinary.