Overcoming film review

certificate_PG

OVERCOMING

Bjarne Riis is a former professional cyclist from Denmark who achieved the ultimate in his sport when he won the Tour de France in 1996. After he retired from active duty he created and ran the successful Team CSC, and has turned it into one of the most formidable forces in modern cycling. The story of CSC's attempt to impress at the 2004 Tour de France is chronicled in Overcoming, a documentary which tries to convey the passion of one of the world's greatest sporting events.

Any hopes that this will be an awe-inspiring film about man's desire to conquer the odds are soon quashed, however. The director and producers of this film have decided on a very individual style for their work. So instead of a passionate and linear examination of a fascinating event, the opportunity is squandered. Hyper-kinetic editing leads to utter confusion as far as any of the characters or their story is concerned, and the use of graphics is simply irritating. Any time a character says a word which the producers deem as inspirational, said word is flashed across the screen. This goes on for over 100 minutes, although it wears very thin after five.

Another useful tip for anyone making a film in a foreign language: get a native English speaker to do the translation. The graphics are riddled with grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. How these were passed for broadcast is mindboggling.

It's all a great shame as the access the makers have to the event, and the inner workings of the CSC team, has great potential. There's Riis himself, a leader who wants to be all things to all men, but clearly has some personal issues, not least the drugs allegations which have dogged him throughout his career. Then there are his riders: a mix of stars and supporting players, all with their own complexities, and all able to withstand one of the most painful journeys on the planet. Finally, there is the great enigma that is Lance Armstrong, seven-time winner of the Tour and himself a fascinating character.

Cycling fans will be aghast. Non-cycling fans will probably wonder what all the fuss is about and be tempted to leave the theatre. There is a great documentary to be made about the Tour de France, but Overcoming most certainly is not it.

Paul Hurley