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Prefontaine | Year: 1997 Directed: - Steve James Actors/Actresses: - Jared Leto as Prefontaine - R.Lee Ermey - Lindsay Crouse - Ed O'Neill - Amy Locane Sometimes the truth hurts¿. There has been much fascination with Steve Prefontaine, for his courage, his will-to-win, and for his far too early death. A man who was the ultimate competitor, denied his just due not only by the tragedy in Munich, but an even bigger tragedy on a roadway in Oregon. Such fascination led to 2 movies chronicling the life of Steve Prefontaine were mad ein the 1990's. For first release, the battle of the PRE-bioflicks was won by this movie, and its release and luke warm reception shelved the Robert Towne-directed 'Without Limits' for more than a year. Perhaps this story would have been better served as a Made-for-HBO film, where one-name titles like "Prefontaine" give stars like Matt Damon a chance for some good work, and media recognition. This version, directed by Steve James of Hoop Dreams fame is very watchable, with strong support of Jared Leto (Prefontaine) by Lindsay Crouse, Ed O'Neill, Amy Locane, and R.Lee Ermey-excellent in the role of Pre's coach and mentor, Bill Bowerman, the man who subsequently founded Nike. Maybe not an overly familiar story for the non-runners, this story needed to be told, once...and is told well here. A decent, homey version I give this movie three stars for general moviegoers, most of whom did not bother to see either this version or "Without Limits" the first time in theaters -- probably for reasons sufficient to them. People who run long distance, who love Steve Prefontaine and/or what he stood for, are throwing stars at both of these movies for those reasons, I suspect, not for the movies as artworks. Since I attended Prefontaine's high school a number of years later, I met him my first week of school, I ran long distance and even posted faster two-mile times then Pre as a freshman and sophomore, and I was in the Marshfield stadium when his running colleagues carried the coffin onto the field for a memorial service before the body was taken to its final resting place south of town, I fight to retain some objectivity myself. "Prefontaine" was made by the people who made the marvelous high school basketball documentary "Hoop Dreams." It maintains a home movie/documentary style, with rough cuts, uneven video quality, and faces talking directly to the camera (but they are actors, not the real people from Pre's life). Leto does a magnificent job of appearing to be Pre, among shots of the actual man racing. Not much else is distinguished about this film, however. "Without Limits" is a much slicker movie, which has its advantages, but I find it hard to rate one over the other. They're just different ... and probably equally wrong in many of the details. They reflect different folks' conceptions of the man they knew: Pre's folks in "Prefontaine"; Bowerman, Kenny Moore, and a particular girlfriend in "Without Limits." I'm delighted that any film got made about this man, let alone two; I'm gratified that either movie has served to inspire younger runners; but I think it's ridiculous to argue that one or the other "really" captures the man. Just enjoy them for what they are, and cherish the memory of an incredible athlete. A Sprint To The Finish Simply put, this is a story that needed to be told. This film does an admirable job of telling it. Steve Prefontaine was an amazing runner with an undeniable winning attitude. He loved to compete and, more importantly, he loved to win. This movie portrays that uncanny desire and his hard work ethic, right up until he was tragically taken in a car accident. Jared Leto did a phenominal job of playing Prefontaine. He looked and played the part of a world class runner. R. Lee Ermey complimented him nicely as his track coach, Bill Bowerman, who later founded Nike. Ermey's timing was excellent, and his character was very well-rounded on the screen. Craig T. Nelson also played an excellent smaller role in the film as the college recruiter. This good cast, and a very watchable screenplay made for an entertaining film. In a time of peace, love, and war, not to mention protests, this film gives you a nostalgic feel for the 70s. This is a good story, and an even better movie. Buy Prefontaine at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on Prefontaine Search with the Priority Search Engine on Prefontaine This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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