Overview of the Historic Flight
This documentary provides a detailed account of the first nonstop round-the-world flight in a hot-air balloon, accomplished in 1999. The pilots, Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones, undertook this challenging journey amid intense competition from wealthier rivals, including Richard Branson and Steve Fossett. While the broader story of this rivalry could have offered a more dramatic narrative, filmmaker John Dower chooses to concentrate on Piccard and Jones, who completed their record-breaking 25,000-mile voyage aboard the Breitling Orbiter 3.
Background and Early Attempts
Bertrand Piccard made three attempts before succeeding. His initial effort ended prematurely when he was forced to ditch his balloon in the Mediterranean just hours after takeoff. Reflecting on this failure, Piccard states:
"I felt completely ashamed,"
Unlike Branson and Fossett, Piccard did not have extensive financial resources. However, he hailed from a family renowned for innovation and exploration; notably, his grandfather was the first person to reach the stratosphere in 1931 using a hydrogen balloon. Piccard's personality is described as charismatic and driven, and the film explores questions surrounding his ego. He acknowledges that a colleague once labeled him a diva. Throughout the documentary, all interviewees maintain a respectful tone, refraining from gossip about each other or their competitors, resulting in a notably polite presentation.
The Successful 1999 Flight
The narrative intensifies with Piccard's third and ultimately successful flight in March 1999, alongside co-pilot Brian Jones. Just months before their departure, Richard Branson's latest attempt ended with a ditching in the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii. Piccard comments on this event:
"One of the best Christmas gifts,"
Despite the challenges, the Breitling Orbiter 3 mission faced significant obstacles. The crew lost satellite communication with mission control for two days. Additionally, a heating system malfunction affected oxygen levels, leading to a moment when Jones found Piccard slumped over his desk. After 19 days, 21 hours, and 55 minutes, their balloon finally landed in the Egyptian desert, completing a 25,000-mile journey.
The story is compelling, though it may primarily appeal to aviation enthusiasts, as those involved have recounted it extensively over the years, potentially diminishing the sense of excitement for general audiences.
