Modern Collective

Modern Collective is a 2009 documentary that follows a group of six free-thinking and progressive surfers as they traverse the globe in search of the perfect wave. Directed by esteemed surf cinematographer Kai Neville, the movie features an iconic cast of modern-day surfing titans: Dion Agius, Mitch Coleborn, Dusty Payne, Craig Anderson, Jordy Smith, and Dane Reynolds. This compelling surf documentary is easily one of the genre's most remarkable films, weaving response-provoking narratives with awe-inspiring cinematography.

Right at the onset, we are introduced to the surfers' collective pursuit of not just perfect waves, but an individualistic approach to surfing that shatters boundaries and reimagines the sport's potential. The film showcases each surfer's unparalleled talent and unique sense of style, capturing their journey from Australia, South Africa, France, Spain, to Indonesia.

In Modern Collective, we see the synergy between Dion Agius, an Australian surfer known for his innovation in aerial surfing, and the fearless and powerful style of Mitch Coleborn. Dusty Payne, one of the most dynamic surfers from Hawaii, also stands out, demonstrating a marked blend of power and finesse. Adding to this powerful collage of stardom are Jordy Smith and Dane Reynolds, both recognized for their raw talent and exceptional wave-reading ability. All these, coupled with Craig Anderson's smooth and flowing rides, turn the film into an awe-evoking spectacle of surfing prowess and creativity.

Rather than follow a typical storyline, Modern Collective adopts an exploratory approach that closely resembles the surfers' own journey. The result is a visually stunning documentary that captures the raw dynamics of the surf as well as the interactions between the surfers and the ocean. The camera doesn't shy away from showcasing breathtaking long shots of surf breaks and skilfully captures the intricacies of each surfer's move. Neville masterly switches between slow-motion sequences and real-time shots that seamlessly fuse to create the ultimate visual surfing experience.

The extraordinariness of Modern Collective is further accentuated by its outstanding editing and soundtrack. The pulsing sounds of electro, punk, and indie rock, perfectly synchronized with the edits, lend an uncommon rhythm to the film, matching the surfers' vibrant energy and drawing viewers in with an idiosyncratic aura. This film is just as much about the music as it is about the surfing, and the exceptional soundtrack adds depth, emotion, and intensity, making the surfing footage even more impactful.

Moreover, the film shines a light on the camaraderie that defines the surfing community. The bond between the surfers is portrayed genuinely, exhibiting the unique mix of friendly competition and deep friendship that exists between them. As viewers, we get a glimpse into the seamless fusion between their lifestyle, friendships, travels and the shared love and dedication to this exhilarating sport.

Despite its clear focus on the lighter and pleasing aspects of surfing, Modern Collective does not shy away from surf's demanding and dangerous nature. It allows us to peek into the struggles, risks, and challenges that come with the quest for the perfect wave. It sheds light not just on the euphoric triumphs but also on the disheartening frustrations that are a part and parcel of a surfer's life.

In essence, Modern Collective is an ode to the rebellious spirit of modern surfing, a tribute to the surfers who refuse to be tied down by tradition and are forever chasing innovation within the sport. It's a compelling viewing experience, not only for surfing afficionados but also for anyone intrigued by dynamic, passionate people pushing the limitations of what's considered possible in their field. The film mesmerises with its unique blend of thrilling action, adrenaline-fueled adventure, stylish cinematography, and inspiring friendships, making it a must-watch for any lover of documentaries.