The Endless Summer surfs the Croisette wave
With The Endless Summer, a documentary on surf culture released in 1966, American director Bruce Brown assembled all the ingredients to make the recipe for a perfect trip. Here are three good reasons for a beach-viewing of this film screened as one of this year’s Cinéma de la Plage choices.
For its director, king of the waves
Bruce Brown, a huge surfing enthusiast, made this the major theme of his filmography. With Slippery when Wet (1958), Surf Crazy (1959), Barefoot Adventure (1960), Surfing Hollow Days (1961) and The Endless Summer (1966), he is considered one of the leading lights of the genre. His style set the tone for Thicker than Water by Jack Johnson and Chris Mallow (2000), and Momentum by Matt Beauchesne (2001).
For the chance to surf new horizons
The Endless Summer invites us to explore the world’s most beautiful beaches. From Africa to Australia, via New Zealand, Tahiti and Hawaii, we follow the adventures of Robert August and Mike Hynson in their quest for the perfect wave. Over the course of several months, these two surfers fulfil the dream of a lifetime and guide new generations towards a path of discovery.
For its original soundtrack
To carry us across the world, Bruce Brown’s soundtrack was scored by The Sandals, a 60s surf rock band whose Theme from The Endless Summer was specially composed for the documentary and became a touchstone for surf films.