Getting It Right: Charlize Theron and Beth Rodden
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In this episode of Climbing Gold, host Alex Honnold sits down with Academy Award-winning actor Charlize Theron and legendary climber Beth Rodden to discuss Theron's immersive experience learning to climb for her role in the Netflix film 'Apex.' Theron shares her journey from complete beginner to convincingly portraying a seasoned climber, emphasizing the physical and emotional challenges of the role, including injuries, grueling 60-day shoots in remote Australian gorges, and the intense mental focus required. Beth Rodden reflects on her surprise at being approached by Theron, her role in training her, and her admiration for the film's commitment to authenticity—researching real climbing routes, hiring experts, and even having the director hike to the base of Yosemite's Leaning Tower. The conversation explores how Hollywood is slowly evolving to portray climbing with greater realism, drawing parallels to how martial arts and action films have matured over decades. Both Theron and Rodden highlight the deep connection between movement, vulnerability, and strength, with Theron noting that her dance and action film background gave her a natural foundation. The episode closes with reflections on personal commitment, whether it's moving to LA with a one-way ticket or committing to a climbing season in Yosemite, underscoring the theme that true mastery comes from relentless dedication. Key takeaways include: 1) Authenticity in film requires deep research and collaboration with real experts; 2) Physical training for roles can be as demanding as the actual sport; 3) Vulnerability is the foundation of real strength in both life and storytelling; 4) Hollywood’s portrayal of niche activities like climbing is improving due to dedicated effort; 5) Natural movement ability from dance or action training can accelerate learning; 6) The mental and emotional toll of filming is often as significant as the physical; 7) Realism in action films is built through small, consistent improvements over time; 8) Personal transformation begins with bold, committed choices—like a one-way ticket to a dream.
Authenticity in film requires deep research and collaboration with real experts.
Physical training for roles can be as demanding as the actual sport.
Vulnerability is the foundation of real strength in both life and storytelling.
Hollywood’s portrayal of niche activities like climbing is improving due to dedicated effort.
Natural movement ability from dance or action training can accelerate learning.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Humble Beginnings of a Climbing Legend
Alex Honnold opens the episode with a humorous anecdote about Charlize Theron’s quip 'be bold, start cold' from Taipei 101, setting the tone for a conversation about authenticity in climbing and film. The discussion quickly shifts to Theron’s journey from a complete novice to a believable climber, highlighting her natural movement skills and the challenges of learning a new physical discipline.
From Spam Email to Hollywood Collaboration
Beth Rodden recounts her initial disbelief upon receiving an email asking her to train Charlize Theron for a film, thinking it was spam. She shares her skepticism and eventual excitement as the project became real, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in Hollywood’s portrayal of climbing.
The Physical and Emotional Journey of 'Apex'
“By the end, I was like, there's nothing more I could have left on this movie. I literally gave my entire body over to this.”
The Art of Realism in Action Films
“They were like in the weeds. They were asking all the right questions. They put as much effort as they could.”
Movement, Vulnerability, and Strength
“I think that's where strength actually has to kind of birth. You have to birth strength from vulnerability.”
“I'm not going to fail at this. I have to do anything and everything that I have to do to make this work.”
“By the end, I was like, there's nothing more I could have left on this movie. I literally gave my entire body over to this.”
“I think that's where strength actually has to kind of birth. You have to birth strength from vulnerability.”
Host
Guests
charlize theron
person
beth rodden
person
alex honnold
person
apex
media
dark wizard
media
australia
place
yosemite
place
netflix
organization
hbo
organization
south africa
place
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