Speedo – A Demolition
Derby Of Love (Documentary)
Picture: C+
Sound: C+ Extras: C+ Documentary: B-
In the 1970s, the idea of the demolition derby was very
popular. A set of car keep crashing
into each other until only one can still drive and function. That has been the idea behind recent “robot”
contest battles and as Jesse Moss’ documentary Speedo – A Demolition Derby
Of Love (2003) shows, is a sport that is still very alive and well.
Speedo is not the brand of swimwear the contestants are
suddenly wearing to sex up the sport, but the nickname of one of the most
talented and prolific drivers in the sport today. Ed “Speedo” Jager is an ace at smashing all the other cars to
smithereens and surviving, something he does so much, it is now affecting his
two-decade-old marriage. He also has an
older son who is in a Punk Rock band, which throws him off a bit, but he
intends to continue trying to pursue that relationship along with his
obsession.
Though its 78 minutes holds some things we have seen
before, few works in dramatic or documentary features ever deal with the poor
and struggling hardly ever since the 1980s, as if being poor was someone’s
fault. Here is someone working hard and
still hurting. His socio-economic class
affects his life, no doubt, but he has a dream and that is something fewer and
fewer people seem to have these days.
The poor did not suddenly disappear when Reagan became president and
this sport’s very existence is now like a dirtier version of the X games, as
well as a survivor of the late industrial age.
Speedo makes you think of The American Dream, how it has changed,
never was and never will be.
The 1.33 X 1 image is shot on NTSC video and looks good
for its age, but has all the usual limitations. The Dolby Digital 2.0 is simple stereo, combining for a
good-enough presentation. Extras
include an audio commentary by director and star, previews for other Docurama
DVDs, stills, deleted scenes and updates.
The commentary is not bad, but I wish a third party were there to ask
questions. Otherwise, all is definitely
worth a look.
- Nicholas Sheffo
