|
11/21/2000
Without Limits
This is the story of the pre-eminent American middle distance runner of the early 70's, Steve Prefontaine. It follows his life from the end of high school to his untimely death in 1975.
It was written and directed by Robert Towne (Chinatown, Mission Impossible). It stars Billy Crudup as Prefontaine and Donald Sutherland as his coach, Bill Bowerman
The movie chronicles many of Prefontaine's battles; with his coach, his girlfriend, his competitors and also himself. It portrays Prefontaine as arrogant and stubborn, but also as completely dedicated to becoming the greatest runner in the world.
We follow Prefontaine's years at the University of Oregon preparing for the Munich Olympics, competing in those Olympics and then his ill-fated training for the Montreal Olympics. All the while trying to resolve his relationship with his on-again, off-again girlfriend, played by a very lovable Monica Potter.
The most compelling relationship, however, is the one between Prefontaine and his coach. The coach, Bill Bowerman, is played exceptionally by Donald Sutherland. He comes off as a cross between a guru and a shaman, less concerned with actual running technique and more concerned with the more esoteric aspects of not only running but life.
The actual running events in the movie are very well done, shifting between slow motion and live action to try and build the drama. Billy Crudup is an absolute dead ringer for the real Steve Prefontaine and Donald Sutherland gives one of his
better performances.
On a side note, around the same time another movie about the life of Steve Prefontaine came out called simply "Prefontaine". I have not had a chance to see this movie, but I would still highly recommend "Without Limits".
CDWH |
