CriterionRefs

20Dec09

This is an interesting film to watch about the culture that develops around championship level athletes. Even though Chappellet is still making his name in the skiing game and hasn't really made any money at it, the main components are already in place for the creation of a monster. Of course, the film is set back in the 60s, well before the sports industry became as prosperous and central to our culture as it is today. The lead character is an arrogant jerk but that's overlooked as long as he has a chance at winning. I couldn't help but think about the Tiger Woods situation as I watched this film, even though there are huge differences in his circumstances and what's portrayed on screen here.