Like it or not, we are living in a world that has waged a war on style. Hank Bilous is deep in the thick of it, aiming to strike the right balance between technical skill and self expression. The professional freeskier, turned surfer, turned nurse explores and challenges these dynamics in his new film, The War On Style.
When you first learn something new, it’s all about technical skill. Learning proper technique, understanding formulas, finding your balance. But that will only take you so far. Once you’re good enough to stop thinking, your horizons expand. It then becomes possible to express yourself, through style.
Your style will start to percolate through in every technical
skill you do because,
your style is you shining through.
You define style from your point of view, a perspective brewed
in your unique influence stew.
What does your crew like to do?
That matters too, because they are part of what makes you,
you
The War On Style is an ode to this process. And, it owes itself to that process. The film perfectly captures the essence of Hank: it’s different. It breaks the rules. It’s weird and wonderful and everything in between. And one thing’s certain. It sure is stylish.
Directed by Dunedin’s Chris Maunsell, the film itself is short and sweet and follows Hank from Gisborne, to Wānaka, to Dunedin as he skis, surfs, and nurses his way up and down the country. Each scene is dynamic, beautifully framed, and captivating. From skiing off massive cliffs (which he did for a living), to challenging himself in the surf, to learning how to ollie his skateboard, Hank doesn’t bind himself to the restrictions and rules of technique. Everything is instead an expression of himself and a love letter to style.
Comparing other people’s expression is like comparing apples with oranges.
Your point of view vs. mine.
Nobodies right or wrong,
Our souls just sing different songs.
When we accept we are playing different games on the same field,
competition becomes collaboration.
Seeing peer expression as inspiration
and letting your ego take a vacation.
The War On Style flips effortlessly between digital and analogue, colour and greyscale, and skiing and surfing. It keeps you on your toes, and is accompanied by a fantastic original score by Sam Wave that sets a frantic pace. And the cherry on top is the narration – Hank shares his reflections and impressions in … you guessed it, spoken word poetry.
The War On Style maintains its seriousness and authenticity without taking itself too seriously. It spreads its message without being cheesy. And above all, it’s just so … Hank. There’s really no better way to put it.
