|
Thankfully,
this burst of commercialism has also meant that many of the festivals
better flicks (which would most likely fade into oblivion) are getting
seen - and more importantly - getting a DVD release.
One
that was lucky enough not to fall through the cracks is the delightful
(and somewhat depressing) "Lovestruck". This one holds a somewhat
special place in my heart as I've actually bumped into the subject in
question several times at my local DVD store. And this documentary was
the only thing she would talk about - so it's amazing to see it fully
finished.
Ten years in the making, Lovestruck is an independent
documentary which did the rounds of the film festivals last year and
follows 'Australia's No. 1 wrestling fan', Sue Chuter.
Sue is
in her 50s, lives in Melbourne and for the last 35 years has dedicated
her life to following professional wrestling. But this isn't just a
normal dedication (going to the footy every now and then, or owning a
team scarf) - Sue has taken her love for wrestling to extreme lengths.
EXTREEEEME lengths! Lengths that have broken apart her family, brought
it back together, alienated her from society - and allowing her to be
embraced by society.
She travels twice to the USA to attend
fan conventions (where the fanatical Americans looks tame by
comparison) and live stadium matches. She owns 4000 wrestling videos
(told you I'd seen her in the DVD store) with her house wallpapered in
over 3000 wrestling photos of her favourite stars (the reveal of her
hallway is somewhat spooky).
However, this is more than just a
biography of Sue's obsessions, theres a deeper story at the heart of
this. A sad tale. A tale of Sue's past (it's amazing how blase' she is
when she mentions being raped as a 20 year old, almost like an off the
cuff comment that means little to her), present (re-uniting with her
estranged daughter after a decade) and her future (the disappearance of
her daughter).
It's truly harrowing stuff, where you can't help
but feel sympathy for the woman - but at the same time, feel nothing
but respect for her in finding something that makes her happy in spite
of her shady history.
It's strange seeing this sort of
"Americana" type obsession in the inner Melbourne suburbs (it's the
sort of oddball experience you would expect to get from one of Louis
Theroux's fantastic TV documentaries) but an amazing insight all the
same.
While it may not be the most uplifting piece of cinema you see this year, you must see it.
EXTRAS
Lovestruck is
positively jam packed with extras, with plenty to keep the die hard
wrestling fans entertained long after the film has finished.
There's
two audio commentaries on offer - both with Director Megan Spencer -
the best of which the commentary with Sue Chuter herself. It's rather
bizarre to hear someone looking back over their life. Again, a fine
line is drawn between sympathy, empathy - and genuinely feeling happy
that Sue has found something that continues to give her so much joy.
There's
plenty of archived footage - mountains of stuff - ranging from silent
footage taken during wrestling's hey day at Festival Hall in the 60's
(most of the footage was recovered from under a fans bed, footage which
hasn't been touched for decades) to the less than impressive but more
recent "Local" wrestling.
For those still consumed by the Sue
Chuter phenomenon, theres an array of out-takes on offer. The most
appealing of which see's Sue doing what she does best - cheering on her
favourite amateur wrestlers. There's even footage of Sue getting in on
the action (you're not sure whether to cheer or call for an ambulance
after Chuter gets 'dropped' in the ring).
However, one of the
most interesting extras actually has little to do with the film itself.
The short film "Film Wrestling" (made by Chasers War On Everything
producer Andy Nehl in 1986) is humorous look at the struggles of an
independent film maker trying to get funding from the AFC. It's holds
up surprisingly well considering it's budget and the year it was filmed
- and gives a glimpse into why The Chaser boys are so successful now.
Quite a nice package all round.
Conclusion:
Movie 70% Extras: 60%
|
