Having lived in a cardboard box for a fairly significant portion of my life (even if I mean this as some sort of uncomfortable metaphor for a flimsy, non-waterproof barricade between me and the bitter cold winds of reality), this little visual documentation from Trauma Skateboards, La Vie En Carton, had me compelled to watch it from the title alone.
Ok, admittedly I feel compelled to watch anything to do with skateboarding that gets posted on the internet for free over-the-shoulder viewing anyway, regardless of what it’s called; I suppose this time I was drawn to it more than usual. Additionally, I’m a sucker for the guaranteed nonchalance that comes with a French production, this being no exception.
La Vie En Carton (or “The Low Quality Life“) immediately contradicts itself with a very well put together animation as its inception. As dark and deeply involved as something Tim Burton would make, that is of course if he ever was a skateboarder. Sacrificing the skate videos common motif method of introducing, the opening montage is continually changing and a noticeable result of dedicated time, effort and vast amounts of creativity – a foreshadowing reflection on the high quality skating that follows.
After the section’s prelude (further evidence of the no-holds-barred approach to making this video), which features more crafty editing tricks and a wee insight into each skater’s personality, the action gets kick pushed into frame by Benjamin Delaboulaye whose solid lines and cheeky gems like manualling in and out of a train (you know, that thing you always think about doing to a static train but never have the balls to follow through) make the foundations for a very decent first section. Benjamin also manages to provide some sort of redemption for that song that was ruined by Shrek, and boasts a worthy contender for one of the best kickflips I’ve ever seen; no kidding. Now, not put off at all by taking the reigns is a early favourite in the form of Benoit Fruitier who isn’t afraid to dabble in the trick of manly men, no complies, throwing in some very slick uses of foot-down action, alongside a heap of controlled slides and drastically well executed reverts. Good stuff.
Skate videos as a whole are lacking in references towards video games, but then, being the gaming gaylord I am I would think this, either way, Walid Mamine’s go-fucking-fast and attack everything in sight approach to skating has a tribute to Break as it’s prologue, so I’m stoked. Oh, and I’m sure you’re aware about how rad launching over a road gap to powerslide would look, well this section has proof, I can confirm that it is indeed rad. M.D.V is next up, who with a similar lurch and power to that of Brian Anderson keeps the momentum flowing a full steam. Sick manoeuvres abound, all to be backed up with more in the eclectic friends section featuring the likes of Samuel Partaix, Steve Forstner and the rest of the Antiz rippers alongside other shralp-stick pogo-a-go-go gnarlyness.
Guillame Finck hosts what is undoubtedly my favourite segment of this delightful video, a concoction of blasé skateboarding, as cool as crushed ice, blended with little eccentricities that serve as a great personification for this video as a whole. Off-the-cuff skating, dedication and fun all performed inconspicuously like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Even unnatural things like Julien Merour’s absolutely incredible natas spin nonsense in the well deserved final section come across with such an unapologetically carefree rapport, just like skateboarding should always be. Available and accessible to anyone, just like this video’s physical form, well, providing you have an internet connection.
Head over to www.traumaskateboards.com for a lovely video at absolutely no charge what so ever. Oh yes.
Joe.