Return to Mount Kennedy

Return to Mount Kennedy is a riveting 2019 documentary directed by Eric Becker that beautifully interweaves personal storytelling and exploration. The film follows an extraordinary journey that connects two families marked by the compelling strands of history, adventure, and personal discovery. The story revolves around three principal characters, the late U.S Senator Robert F. Kennedy, mountaineer Jim Whittaker, and Bob Whittaker, a musician and community activist.

In 1965, under a shroud of political tensions, esteemed American mountaineer Jim Whittaker, the first American to reach the summit of Mount Everest, was invited by Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) to organize an expedition onto Mount Kennedy in Canada’s Yukon territory. It was an untouched peak in North America named after the American President John F. Kennedy after his assassination. Climbing Mount Kennedy was a bold idea for RFK, who at the time was a novice hiker, with little to no real experience in extreme outdoor environments. The voyage represented a heartfelt tribute to his fallen brother and was a symbolic climb etched deep in the annals of American history.

The film segues gracefully into the modern day, almost fifty years after the historical climb, Jim Whittaker and RFK's son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Bobby), embarking on an expedition to revisit Mount Kennedy. Joining them is Bob Whittaker, Jim's son and a former tour manager for alternative rock bands like R.E.M., a man deeply involved in American popular music and environmental activism. It is from Bob's perspective that the film provides a fascinating recount of his childhood, his relationship with his father, the friendship between the Whittakers and the Kennedys, and his deep-rooted connection to the mountain.

The documentary is not just an exploration of a physical journey, but it also delves deep into the interlacing narratives of familial ties, political history, and the indomitable spirit of adventure. It skillfully intermingles the personal stories with key historical events, drawing parallels between the political turbulence of the '60s and present-day America. The 1965 expedition's legacy is analyzed from different angles, and the film gradually evolves into a poignant reflection on the notion of legacy itself.

This film beautifully blends exhilarating archive footage from the original 1965 expedition with a modern-day climb, interviews, performances, and candid moments from the three principal characters. It paints a passionate portrait of the enduring friendship between the Whittakers and the Kennedys, reinforced by a shared yearning for political change and a love for the great outdoors. The story unfolds against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kennedy's snowy wilderness, depicted through breathtakingly beautiful cinematography that sets a compelling and emotive tone for the film.

While Return to Mount Kennedy captures thrilling climbing sequences and picturesque landscapes, it is peppered with poignant reflections on lineage, familial pressures, and the struggles with living under the shadow of towering figures. Highlighting his ongoing battle with depression and drug abuse, Bob Whittaker's narrative adds a layer of introspection, courage, and persistence to the film. The expedition serves as a cathartic journey for Bob, who uses the climb to honor his father's legacy and make peace with his emotional tumult.

In the backdrop, the film subtly also pays homage to Senator Robert F. Kennedy and his impactful role in American history. Peppered with historical events, it explores RFK as a political figurehead and as a man grappling with his role in his illustrious family. The RFK's narrative, as told by his children, further enhances the film's emotional resonance and depth.

Return to Mount Kennedy is a commendable cinematic blend of adventure, drama, exploration, and personal exploration. Its comprehensive narrative, captivating visuals, intriguing characters, and in-depth introspection make it a rewarding viewer experience. It goes beyond mere storytelling, triggering individual introspection about identity, legacy, familial bonds, and the trials we embark upon to transcend our circumstances in the pursuit of self-fulfillment and meaning. It's as much a historical simile as a cross-generational bonding of individuals, fuelled by the spirit of adventure and drive to conquer personal and physical mountains. For lovers of history, politics, adventure, and personal triumph, this documentary proves itself an engaging watch.