Educational Media Reviews Online

Who’s on Top? centers on a small but diverse group of amateur LGBTQ mountaineers attempting to summit Oregon’s Mt. Hood, a potentially active stratovolcano reaching upwards of 11,000 feet. This documentary film is narrated by actor and gay activist George Takei, who introduces the climbers and details their efforts on Mt. Hood. Takei guides viewers throughout the film by providing maps and geographical details of the group’s route and progress, as well as descriptions and explanations of their preparations, timelines, and challenges for the climb.

As the film progresses, exploration of the climbers’ backstories and identities, as well as their inspirations and aims for climbing, are fleshed out through interviews supplemented with real time and flashback visuals, including still images and video. The climbers reflect upon the film’s title both as a literal reference to mountain climbing and as a more general metaphor for life beyond their experiences on Mt. Hood and as members of the LGBTQ community. Some information on the general history, dangers, and practicalities of mountaineering is also provided, but the film focuses mainly on the journeys of the featured climbers.

Who’s on Top? is appropriate and potentially inspirational viewing for general audiences. It presents opportunities to examine various aspects of interpersonal and small group communication, including conflict resolution, goal setting, and problem solving, while also offering insight into LGBTQ identities and experiences. It is likely to be of greatest relevance to those in the fields of Queer Studies, LGBTQ Studies, Physical Education, and Communication Studies.

Awards:
Official Selection of Portland International Film Festival 2021

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