Who could possibly think that a documentary about a 340 ton granite boulder could be so fascinating and interesting? Yet that's exactly what I thought this film was.
An alert manager at a rock quarry near Riverside, California notified one of his long-standing customers, the acclaimed artist and sculptor Michael Heizer, that a boulder of the size and possible shape he had been looking for some forty years had come loose and was available. After Heizer flew in the next day and confirmed this was indeed the one, the wheels were set in motion to plan for the boulder to eventually be sent to the Los Angeles County Museum, to be exhibited there as "Levitated Mass" The Director of the museum, Michael Govan, on his end began to contact private donors and supporters of Heizer to help fund the costs of this mammoth undertaking. Thereafter, the logistical and bureaucratic nightmare began of safely transporting this massively heavy rock (heavier than a 747), which stood some 2 stories high, through 22 different cities from Riverside to Los Angeles.
Aside from all of that, perhaps the heart of the documentary was to witness how people along the transport route reacted to the passing of the boulder. Spurred by social media, as well as local and even national news coverage, people waited hours along the route to view it sometimes even in pajamas. This became an "event" with "rockapaloozas" springing up, as well as "rock" concerts, and people lining up to pose for pictures with mock-ups of the boulder.
Conspiracy theories were in full bloom, as well, with some espousing that the rock was from outer space, while others stated it must have been sent by God, and still others claiming it must be a military weapon. Some mocked it as art, while others envisioned how it certainly could be a great exhibit.
All in all, this documentary, directed by Doug Pray, was surprisingly interesting and absorbing, as well as smartly paced and well presented.
