Rank
(2006/Documentary/Bullriding)
Picture:
C Sound: C+ Extras: C+ Documentary: B-
There
have been misguided drama (8 Seconds)
and stereotyping of bull riding for a long time. Even Brokeback
Mountain touched upon that world, but outside of sports channels
occasionally showing the sport, you rarely see anything about the sport of its
people. John Hyams’ Rank (2006) takes a look at the top competitors in the sport going
for a million-dollar prize and a symbolic gold belt buckle that becomes the
prize they all go for.
Instead
of being a stupid exercise in “reality TV” or comically stupid work like many a
documentary has been lately, it takes the subject more seriously than expected,
shows the contestants (Justin McBride, Mike Lee, Adriano Morales) with realism
and the dignity they bring to what they do and that is more than we see in many
sports or arts (like filmmaking of late) and you get about 95 minutes of very
compelling viewing by people (behind and in front of the camera) who care about
their subject.
You don’t
have to be a fan to get what is going on and is a documentary more filmmakers
should see at least once to see how to do one right. The only thing holding this back is ironic
distance and a few more surprises, but you keep watching and learn why everyone
is willing to risk injury for a few seconds of glory. Those seconds can be so hard though, but it
is worth it for those who care to try.
The
anamorphically enhanced 1.78 X 1 image was shot in digital video that looks low
def and has color issues. Detail and
depth are a problem, despite how client he video can be. The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo mix is simple
and of the location audio throughout with little enhancement and some
interesting new music by The Unseen Hand.
Extras include The Unseen Hand:
Recording The Music For Rank and Cowtown:
Bull Ridging Sessions featurettes, plus a decent feature length audio
commentary by the makers. All in all,
not bad.
- Nicholas Sheffo
