Hey Werner Herzog, I’ve got the subject of your next documentary! 48-year-old gas station owner, Kent Couch, rigged up 155 helium-filled balloons to a lawn chair and set sail across Oregon, flying for 200 miles before landing in Idaho. He used a Red Ryder BB gun to gradually pop the balloons in order to lower himself back to earth. I really love this guy Kent Couch. First of all, what a heroic American name. Second of all, he tapped into every human’s dream ever since we were forced to watch Le Ballon Rouge (The Red Balloon) on loop in kindergarten.
This was Couch’s third attempt – he wasn’t going to stop until he had reached his goal to cross state lines. He also carried with him a blow gun equipped with steel darts. Because blow guns are awesome, that’s why.
Anyway, as mentioned, this all reminded me of The Red Balloon, at the end when all the balloons in France find this kid and take him up to heaven, or wherever magical balloons go. But the part that I remember the most from the film is the traumatic scene wherein the red balloon is savagely murdered by the neighborhood bullies. Just before the death blow, the balloon is all sweaty, bubbly and sad-looking. Watch it unfold here, particularly around the 3:11 mark. Now tell me, who among us did not cry during this scene??
No amount of multi-colored magical flying balloons can replace Red Balloon!!!! NO AMOUNT!
