The Flat Earth

The Flat Earth is a riveting 2017 skateboarding documentary film that blends the traditional feel of skateboard videos with the narrative power of a full-length movie. It stars professional skateboarders Jamie Foy, Carlos Iqui, Cody Lockwood, among others, who showcase their exceptional talents in the ubiquitous concrete landscape of urban America.

Directed by Ty Evans, who has developed a reputation for compelling storytelling blended with awe-inspiring skateboarding stunts. Evans meticulously captures the essence of skateboarding, encapsulating both its culture and ethos effectively in The Flat Earth.

The movie centers around Jamie Foy, known for his hazardous leaps and head-spinning stunts, which have earned him a reputation as one of the top skateboarding talents in the world. He is a standout character in the movie as he takes viewers on a roller coaster ride through his life and career, giving them a privileged insider's view of the skateboarding world.

Carlos Iqui is another prominent skateboarder featured in this movie. Known for his picture-perfect flips and slides, Carlos mesmerizes the audience with his thrilling performances and his story. The powerful on-screen chemistry between Foy and Iqui, coupled with each individual's inherent dynamism, adds a captivating element to the storyline.

Cody Lockwood is another addition to this star-studded line-up, lending an air of novelty and excitement with his unique style of skateboarding. Apart from the featured skateboarders, the film also has appearances from various other well-known faces, creating instances of surprise, delight, and intrigue for the viewers.

The Flat Earth explores the world of skateboarding from an intimate, ground-level perspective. It is more than just a series of skateboarding stunts and tricks strung together; every shot is a testament to the sport itself and the dedicated individuals who add unique value to the skateboarding community.

The film showcases some of the best parts of American urban skateboarding culture, portraying a slice of life from various cities through the lens of skateboarding. Whether it's the less-explored back streets of Los Angeles or the trendy, vibrant sidewalks of New York, the film transports audiences through a skateboarding odyssey, navigating through the heart of America's cities.

Evans' direction is commendable; capturing each trick, jump, flip, and grind, in intricate detail, often putting the viewer right in the action with the boarders. The Flat Earth also lends an emotional angle to the otherwise adrenaline-driven sport. The director does a fantastic job of visually mapping not just the physical highs and lows of the sport, but also the emotional roller coaster that these athletes experience.

The cinematography deserves specific mention; the strategic usage of drones, steadicams, and fish-eye lenses, paired with high-speed chases, creates an enthralling visceral experience for viewers. Accompanied by an exceptional soundtrack, the movie's cinematography articulates the spirit of skateboarding in a most enticing manner.

With the Flat Earth, Ty Evans also introduces the audience to the intriguing concept of the 'Flat Earth' theory, adding a layer of philosophical depth to the storyline. It further amplifies the film's unique take on the juxtaposition of skateboarding culture and society.

Despite being a skateboarding film, viewers wouldn't necessarily need to be familiar with the sport to appreciate the movie. It draws you in with compelling characters, high-level cinematography, artful storytelling, and a robust contextual framework, resulting in an appealing production for a wide spectrum of audiences.

In conclusion, The Flat Earth is a modern-age love letter to skateboarding, narrating a compelling story of athleticism, fearless risk-taking, and introspection. It becomes a celebration of the culture, the grit, the thrill, and the passion that make up the multi-faceted world of skateboarding. The movie stands as a testament to the sport, its athletes, and the strong community it has fostered, setting a new benchmark for ensuing skateboarding films.