I don't know how I managed to not see this sooner. But this doc is by far the best one I've seen in a long time. And with the most lasting impression.
Kudos to MTV -- for finding a topic that could potentially be very sensitive (quadriplegics) and bringing it to an audience that might never have sought it out!
Where to start -- first off: phenomenal characters! How can Zupan not stay in your memory for a long time.
Next, the entire opening is so well-paced and gets you up to speed so quickly and with so much style. It was a whirlwind of characters, info, shots....almost left me breathless but got me very pumped. Very few docs have done that for me right from the start.
Also, the conflict is introduced right away. Canada vs US -- AND Zupan vs. Soares.
But, I still can't get over the access - namely how on earth the crew got a camera (and themselves) into the operating room when Joe Soares had a heart-attack. It's not like you pre-plan that sort of access. Nor can I picture myself muscling myself into a situation like that.
Also blown away about how necessary it was to have one character who recently became quadriplegic (Keith?). I felt he was introduced at just the right time... far enough in that we were focused on the strong, determined, not-that-much-different-then-us murderball guys and their journey but just in time to show just how far the murderballers really have come. Also, a smaller point. The fact that he's young and was injured doing motocross (at an age when most guys are invincible) is a subtle lesson and warning. At least to me it was.
Again, access is incredible here. It must take a majorly sympathetic and warm director to let a character to allow every struggle in his rehab, from the visible shame of having to be picked up and moved from a bed to a chair to the frustration of trying to un-Velcro his shoe for several minutes. Also, scenes like that were very selective -- just enough to let us feel his pain and struggle, but not enough to let the doc spiral downwards and take on a depressing tone.
Love that the topic that every MTV-gen guy is thinking (but might not have the guts to ask) is also addressed. Sex. And it's tastefully done. Almost humorous...
Also can't get over the scene when the Murderballers came into the rehab clinic to show the guys what they could have to look forward to. A tad bit stagey, but worth it.
My favourite moment in the entire doc: when the little boy from the camp waits his turn to talk to Bob, (you can tell he's been rehearsing this question and just dying to ask it) "how do you eat pizza with your elbows?" Sheer documentary genius -- an innocent child's question, the response on his face when he sees his question answered before him... and Bob's satisfaction as he sees how the child has reacted. Folks, you can't PLAN this sort of gold!
Loved the ramp-up shots...the handheld cam, the music.... ok so I loved the ENTIRE doc...
Except for the end. What I thought was the final sequence (the Paralympic Games) was building beautifully - great shots (every cutaway looked like it was picked soooo meticulously), music and event audio... then they lose. Which is fine -- it's reality. We've gotten to know them so we don't feel ripped off. It's also a documentary, so no one expects a happy ending. So it feels like they built this extra short scene at the end where the team is doing a workshop (with Army recruits?). Felt so unnecessary and like the filmmakers would hope this would bring the mood back up. It's reality. Everything in the doc this far has appeared to be naural and real. But again, my only qualm with an otherwise spectacular film.
I can't wait to watch the directors' commentary and extra features on the DVD....
Tatyana
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