During the filming of Simon Hunter’s Edie, famed octogenarian actress Sheila Hancock became the oldest person to ever climb Suilven, one of the most famous, tallest, and imposing mountains in Scotland. The feat is an extraordinary one even for younger people in peak physical condition—the various routes all stretch around fifteen miles over grueling terrain ending in a steep half-mile climb to the summit. Yet Hunter completed the climb herself largely unaided. Watching the film, one assumes a certain amount of movie magic helped her. There are cameras shooting the action, so there must have been cameramen. But no, most of the footage was captured with unmanned drones. When the film pulls back and sees Hancock isolated on the side of the mountain by her lonesome, we really are seeing a then 83-year old woman risking life and limb. Knowing this, one can’t help but feel mesmerized by Hancock’s fortitude and willpower.
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Published on TheYoungFolks.com
