Taryn Smith picks 4 movies to pair with rowing across the Atlantic Ocean
In Pairings, artists and creators pick the movies that complement their latest work.
Taryn Smith rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, completely alone, becoming the first American woman to compete The World’s Toughest Row as a solo athlete. She chronicled her crossing on Instagram, gaining the support of celebrities and fans around the world, including us!
We asked Taryn to pick a few movies that pair well with her transatlantic row.
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
I detest the rain, so when I was rowing across the Atlantic Ocean, my least favorite moments were when big storms rolled in. The only thing that made rainy days manageable was Pride & Prejudice. I would press play and then stow my phone in my cabin while listening to the movie with headphones. Pride & Prejudice is a comfort movie for me. The soundtrack and dialogue were always a glimmer of sunshine in my toughest moments.
Legally Blonde
Elle Woods’ attitude of going to Harvard Law (“What, like it’s hard?”) is the spirit I embraced while preparing for the row. I decided to row across the Atlantic Ocean because I read an article in Vogue, which feels like a very Elle Woods thing to do. Also, Legally Blonde is an amazing example of women supporting each other and the power of a positive attitude.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
This movie is a perfect pairing for the row: it’s about an ordinary person who goes on a great adventure. And like all great tales of adventure, we are left with a better appreciation of home.
Raiders of the Lost Ark
I want to be Indiana Jones when I grow up. He’s what the French call a débroulliard, someone who gets themselves both into and out of trouble. The Atlantic Row has many parallels to Indiana Jones’ adventures, and while I’ve yet to uncover lost treasure, I did have close encounters with wildlife at sea (marlins, not snakes).
Photo credit: World’s Toughest Row