(WARNING: Some spoilers ahead. I don't reveal many details, but if you aren't familiar with what transpired, you may want to skip the last couple paragraphs.)
Shadows is that rare documentary that is actually more interesting than it's source material. Director Paul Jay exposes Bret Hart's final year with the WWF, simultaneously revealing the machine behind the stage-show of wrestling.
As the film begins, Hart is the prominent hero ("face"): A popular character who works hard and always tries to do the right thing. His contract with the WWF has expired and he is offered a big-money deal from WCW (a rival wrestling organization). Rather than going exclusively for the big bucks, Hart shows loyalty to the WWF and his fans, re-signing with the WWF for much less money.
The film shows footage of Hart's family and comments by Hart about his experiences growing up in a wrestling family. As the film progresses, fans begin to react negatively to good-guys (characters who behave in a fair manner). Hart is forced to become a "heal"(unpopular character) by the fans. Though he understands why WWF owner Vince McMahon takes his character in this direction, he still resents the fans, feeling betrayed. Wrestling fans become polarized towards the Hitman character. Comments of fans offer insight related to the psychology of wrestling (most fans are portrayed very negatively). The film concludes with a stunning betrayal of Hart by McMahon that effectively "kills" the Hitman character. Many critics have commented (justifiably) that this real "story" is more compelling than most novelists could even hope to write. Shadows is an outstanding documentary, with emotional resonance for both wrestling and non-wrestling fans.
The film itself is superb, but the home-video contains a bonus: An interview with with director Paul Jay and Bret Hart that serves as a post-script. Of particular interest are discussions related to wrestling as a reflection of pop culture. Hart and Jay also offer conjecture as to why McMahon betrayed Hart. Hart also reveals the impact the betrayal has had on his personal life.
(Note: I'd be happy to discuss this film with anyone. In particular, I'm curious to hear ideas about the confrontation between Hart and McMahon in the locker-room. I suspect that McMahon intentionally provoked Hart into assaulting him. I'd like to discuss this topic, or any others.)
Shadows is that rare documentary that is actually more interesting than it's source material. Director Paul Jay exposes Bret Hart's final year with the WWF, simultaneously revealing the machine behind the stage-show of wrestling.
As the film begins, Hart is the prominent hero ("face"): A popular character who works hard and always tries to do the right thing. His contract with the WWF has expired and he is offered a big-money deal from WCW (a rival wrestling organization). Rather than going exclusively for the big bucks, Hart shows loyalty to the WWF and his fans, re-signing with the WWF for much less money.
The film shows footage of Hart's family and comments by Hart about his experiences growing up in a wrestling family. As the film progresses, fans begin to react negatively to good-guys (characters who behave in a fair manner). Hart is forced to become a "heal"(unpopular character) by the fans. Though he understands why WWF owner Vince McMahon takes his character in this direction, he still resents the fans, feeling betrayed. Wrestling fans become polarized towards the Hitman character. Comments of fans offer insight related to the psychology of wrestling (most fans are portrayed very negatively). The film concludes with a stunning betrayal of Hart by McMahon that effectively "kills" the Hitman character. Many critics have commented (justifiably) that this real "story" is more compelling than most novelists could even hope to write. Shadows is an outstanding documentary, with emotional resonance for both wrestling and non-wrestling fans.
The film itself is superb, but the home-video contains a bonus: An interview with with director Paul Jay and Bret Hart that serves as a post-script. Of particular interest are discussions related to wrestling as a reflection of pop culture. Hart and Jay also offer conjecture as to why McMahon betrayed Hart. Hart also reveals the impact the betrayal has had on his personal life.
(Note: I'd be happy to discuss this film with anyone. In particular, I'm curious to hear ideas about the confrontation between Hart and McMahon in the locker-room. I suspect that McMahon intentionally provoked Hart into assaulting him. I'd like to discuss this topic, or any others.)