The director's approach was to make a film about the world of boxing that included much more about the character of the champion (Joe Frazier) than it was about the sport. As such the finished product has endured as one of the best films about the sport ever done, beginning with Joe's roots in Beaufort, N.C., and following his amazing career as he overcame a relatively small physique with pure desire...and became one of the greatest heavyweight champions ever. The film included Joe visiting his roots and demonstrating his love for speed with some fascinating shots from his new Harley. What is also captured is his support team, from trainers Yancey Durham and Eddie Futch to the young heavyweight Ken Norton who served as a sparring partner who brought the size and arm length of a Mohammed Ali to Frazier's gym on North Broad Street. You don't have to be a fan of boxing to enjoy this cutting edge documentary.
Reviews
2 Reviews
The Time Machines
(1986 TV Movie)
The Time Machines: well ahead of its time.
23 December 2011
The Time Machines is a documentary on the sport of drag racing that when it was released was at the time it was far ahead of its time. The storyline was built around those who knew the sport from the inside, the drivers like Big Daddy Don Garlits and The Snake Purdomme. The shooting script attempted to capture the images that matched the world created by these amazing drivers. One of the really outstanding segments within the film was a combination of original music and ultra-high speed slow motion created by a special industrial time-study camera. As some amazing original theme music played, complete with plaintive harmonic and lyrics lamenting the impossible dream of those who push themselves and their machines to the outer limits in this sport, a clock ticks, the rhythms of a beating heart is heard and viewers are able to see smoke circles exiting the chrome exhaust pipes until they explode against a huge trickster tire as it is expanding with centrifugal force away from the tire rim. Absolutely amazing stuff especially considering when it was made.
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