Documentaries are almost always more interesting if the filmmakers fess up about their relationship to the subject, as unabashed pro-wrestling fan Barry Blaustein does in this naively made, compelling homage to the sport.
Beyond the Mat
The Movie Vince McMahon Doesn't Want You to See.
1999 · 1h 42m · R
Documentary
Directed by
Barry W. Blaustein
Overview
A heartfelt documentary focusing on the day-to-day lives of professional wrestlers, some on the rise, some on the wane, and others fighting for their lives.
Director and cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
A gently and genuinely observed film whose subject is a garish, artificial display of mayhem.
Entertaining and twisted.
Blaustein's documentary about championship wrestling is as voyeuristic, artificial and perversely compelling as the sport itself.
Beyond the Mat wants to blend thrills and pathos, getting at the many sides of what is, as Mr. Blau stein describes it, a carny act. The problem is that he doesn't articulate any of his own thoughts beyond a few slight asides.
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