Watch Dolphin Man

Dolphin Man is a documentary film that chronicles the life of Jacques Mayol, a legendary free diver who revolutionized the sport and became a symbol for the human connection to the marine world. Directed by Lefteris Charitos, the film features Jean-Marc Barr, who portrayed Jacques in the film "The Big Blue", and Umberto Pelizzari, another world-renowned free diver, as they discuss Jacques' life and legacy.

The film begins with a recreation of Jacques' famous dive in the waters of Dahab, Egypt, where he descended to a depth of 100 meters without any breathing equipment. This dive, which he made in 1983 at the age of 56, was seen as a pinnacle of achievement in the world of free diving, and it cemented Jacques' status as a true dolphin man. From there, the film delves into Jacques' life story, exploring how he became interested in free diving and how his love for the ocean shaped his view of the world.

Jacques was born in Shanghai in 1927, and spent his childhood in Japan and France. His father was a French diplomat and his mother was Japanese, and this multicultural background had a lasting impact on his life. As a child, he suffered from asthma, and his doctors recommended that he take up swimming as a form of therapy. Jacques quickly fell in love with the water, and began to explore the depths of the sea as a way of challenging himself and pushing his limits.

As Jacques grew older, he became increasingly interested in free diving, which involves diving without any breathing equipment. He quickly became one of the most skilled free divers in the world, breaking records and pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible. Along the way, he developed a deep appreciation for the ocean and the creatures that lived within it, and began to see himself as a kind of dolphin man, able to swim and communicate with the animals on their own terms.

Throughout the film, we see footage of Jacques diving in various locations around the world, including the Bahamas, Greece, and Italy. We also hear from other free divers, who discuss the impact that he had on the sport and the ways in which he inspired them. Jean-Marc Barr and Umberto Pelizzari offer their own insights into Jacques' life and work, and we see how his ideas about free diving and the ocean have influenced their own careers.

Despite his many achievements, Jacques was not immune to tragedy, and the film explores some of the darker aspects of his life. He struggled with depression and alcoholism, and his relationship with his son was often strained. He also faced criticism from some in the scientific community, who doubted his claims about the abilities of free divers and the communicative powers of dolphins.

Despite these challenges, Jacques remained committed to his vision of the world and his place in it. He continued to dive well into his 70s, and his legacy as a pioneer of the sport and a champion of the ocean lives on to this day.

Dolphin Man is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film that celebrates the life of Jacques Mayol and the world that he loved. Through interviews, archival footage, and beautiful underwater photography, the film offers a glimpse into the mind of a true pioneer and an unparalleled free diver, and invites us to consider our own relationship to the ocean and the natural world.