i <3 documentaries
21 December 2009, 6:30 amTwo we caught recently –
Bigger, Stronger, Faster
Surprising, thought-provoking documentary about anabolic steroids and other performance enhancers, in and out of pro sports, from a medical, ethical, and personal perspective — director/narrator/co-writer Chris Bell is himself a former professional wrestler, but his instincts for engaging storytelling and incisive interviewing both seem sharp. (His structural approach and interview style both reminded me of Michael Moore, only much less obnoxious.)
Man on Wire
The story of the genially crazy, undeniably talented wire walker Philippe Petit simply must be seen to be believed. The world is lucky that he ran with groups of student film makers, among others, so there’s a surprising amount of footage of people engaging in actual criminal conspiracy, as well as Petit’s breath-taking performances.
Both of those films are indeed excellent, but I thought I’d note that the footage in “Man on Wire” inside the WTC is actually a dramatic re-creation. This was noted extensively in reviews & articles of the film at the time it was released.
A couple of my other favorite recent documentaries: MY KID COULD PAINT THAT and THE KING OF KONG. Check ‘em out!
Sue, thanks, I was actually thinking of the footage planning the Australian stunt rather than the WTC re-creation, not that I specified it. And absolutely agree on both the other films you recommend.