CORPORATE LINE: Henry Alex Rubin and Dana Adam Shapiro’s MURDERBALL is an inspiring documentary, which proves that physical limitations are no match for the human spirit. For the determined quadriplegic men who participate in the dangerous sport of “quad rugby,” it’s more than just a game: it’s a chance to prove themselves in a much bigger way. With armored wheelchairs and enough macho energy to overcome any challenge, the players engage in a violently physical game. The charming but intimidating Mark Zupan was angry and suicidal after a car accident relegated him to a wheelchair. He regained his confidence and spirit by becoming both a player and the spokesman for quad rugby’s Team USA. Zupan’s militaresque rival, Joe Soares, is a former star for Team USA who headed north to coach Team Canada when he was cut from the US team in 2000. Concentrating on the buildup to the 2004 Paralympics in Athens, the film introduces other awe-striking figures–young men who have risen to the challenge of the game time and time again. As the days build to the inevitable showdown between Team USA and Team Canada, Rubin and Shapiro fill the screen with story after story, prodding the audience to swallow their own individual stereotypes and appreciate the efforts of these extraordinary m
THE MOVIE: From the beginning of this documentary there is a great intensity that builds and builds right to the end as we are given a handful of heros and one villain. This isn’t a movie about wheelchair rugby alone—there are some very real moments and insight into the life of a quadriplegic. Some of these moments occur in the hospital where we recognize our mortality as we watch a man who has been a quad for only four months. He has a difficult time trying to take off his shoes or lift his own legs as they lay there lifeless. We also get some interesting video and insight into quad sex.
But this movie is about the film’s stars: Mark Zupan and Joe Soares. Zupan originally comes off as a hardass who will let nothing get in his way to a gold medal. As the movie moves along we learn a great deal more about Zupan as he goes from a simple athlete in a wheelchair to a person with a heart and soul spending time with his girlfriend and visiting a hospital where he inspiring quads. Zupan ends up being an inspiration and a real hero.
Then there is Joe Soares who was the MVP of the U.S. Olympic quad team for quite a longtime only to be cut as he aged and slowed. Soares infuriated ended up going north to coach the Canadian team thus becoming a trader in the eyes of his former team. As much as you want to hate Soares you also feel for a man who woke each morning eating and breathing this sport. It was a crushing blow to see it all taken away from him. Even as you see him coaching the Canadian team you know that he still has the U.S. team in his heart. I won’t give anything away—but the villain becomes one of the most embraced characters in the film.
THE EXTRAS:
The filmmaker commentary featuring Dana Adam Shapiro, Henry-Alex Rubin and Jeff Mandel covers the usual behind-the-scenes aspects of the film and how it came about. The player commentary featuring Mark Zupan, Scott Hoggsett and Andy Cohn shines. The insight by the stars of the film really opens up a different side of the movie. They joke quite a bit and offer wonderful stories. This is a gem for anyone that really became emotionally involved in the film.
“Murderball Special featuring Johnny Knoxville and Steve-O from MTV’s Jackass and Mark Zupan” as fun as these jackasses usually are the piece felt completely out of place for what is a classy film.
The interview with Larry King is mostly filler. The commentary covers most of the same ground—besides Larry King doesn’t really prod the stars much.
“Murderball: Behind the Game” is short but full of information. This is mostly a supplement to the film for those who want more.
“Joe Soares Update” is a piece where Soares answers questions.
Also included are deleted scenes and a NYC Premiere.
FRANKLY: Murderball shows a whole different side of the Olympics that gets left off the big network broadcast. The beauty of Murderball is how it changes our approach to the handicapped. In the beginning the able-bodied see them with sympathy but by the end we realize they have good lives and often achieve more than the able-bodied. The greatest asset of Murderball is how it might inspire other quads who have given up. This is a brilliant film that touched me deeply—not in a sad way—and that is a rarity.
+ Charlie Craine
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