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Since audiences are inclined to F/X spectacle, it was easy to understand the 1998 box-office battle between Armageddon and Deep Impact, which shared almost exactly the same premise. But two films about the now-obscure long-distance runner Steve Prefontaine? Without Limits and Prefontaine were in production at the same time, with the cheaper Prefontaine rushed into theaters in 1997 while Without Limits was held back until the fall of '98. As it turned out, neither movie scored a deep impact at the box office, but Without Limits is much more satisfying as a competent, heartfelt slice of sports history. Billy Crudup (a rising star who strongly resembles the film's producer, Tom Cruise, in both looks and intensity) plays Prefontaine, or "Pre," the mustachioed runner who blazed out of Coos Bay, Oregon, in the late 1960s. The movie grazes across the major events of Pre's career at the University of Oregon, where he blew away the competition and positioned himself as the leading American runner (and a charismatic hunk) going into the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich--that star-crossed competition at which Arab terrorists kidnapped and killed members of the Israeli team. Though the film suffers from some of the built-in problems of the true-life biopic, director Robert Towne (who earlier made a remarkable track-and-field picture, Personal Best) captures the texture of the athletes' world. Acting honors go to Donald Sutherland, turning in an emotional performance as coach Bill Bowerman; while tutoring Pre, Bowerman was tinkering with some waffle-soled running shoes, a hobby that later became a little company called Nike. --Robert Horton
| CATEGORY: | DVD |
| DIRECTOR: | Robert Towne |
| THEATRICAL RELEASE DATE: | 11 September, 1998 |
| MANUFACTURER: | Warner Home Video |
| MPAA RATING: | PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested) |
| FEATURES: | Anamorphic, Color, Full Screen, Widescreen, NTSC |
| TYPE: | Action, Adventure, Drama, Feature Film-drama, Movie |
| MEDIA: | DVD |
| # OF MEDIA: | 1 |
| UPC: | 085391490524 |
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Customer Reviews of Without Limits
Great Portrayal of Pre and Bowerman and Runners of that Era Great capture of Pre but also of Bill Bowerman along with the portrayal of runners of that great era. Billy Crudrup some how captures Pre's unique and hard to emulate running style very well along with capturing the unique boldness of his character with a brashness that was more disarming than obnoxious. The film captures Pre's early days in Coos Bay along with his HS period highlighted by Asst. Coach Dellinger's visit with Oregon runners such as Kenny Moore in tow. Pre, in a pouring rain, takes the established Duck runners on an aggressive run through the woods frequently asking if the pace is too fast. Most impressive is Sutherland's capture of the great innovative and serious coach Bill Bowerman who created a special track dynasty at Oregon. The nuances of the film are excellent such as the great American distance runner in his own right Pat Porter playing the running role of the Fin Lasse Viren. In addition, the actors playing the famous runners such as Mohammed Gammoudi, capture the running styles of those athletes extraordinary well including actor Sol Alexis looking identically like the fleet German Harold Norpoth. In addition, the dialogue of the British commentators in the movie actually matches the commentary made during the actual telecast of the Munich 5000 with references to Pre being a 'cocky American" and an "American Beatle". The only thing missing from the film, are some of Pre's trials outside of Munich such as his great cross-country race against Brit Nick Rose in his final NCAA cross-country race and his upset by Dick Burkle indoors, the latter being a great American awakening. In addition, Pre was challenged his final years by another great Duck who frequently pushed Pre to the line, Paul Geis. I think these later battles would make Pre more mortal but on the other hand, demonstrate his ability to deal with adversity while also showing the strength of American distance running showcased by the oft forgotten fact that marathoner Frank Shorter surprisingly led Pre during the final 200 of their great 74 5000 in Eugene. Actually clips from that great Munich 5000 are actually threaded into that terrific portrayal of the fantastic race where Pre goes for in the last mile and makes that dramatic burst all or nothing go for the gold with 300 meters to go that costs him a certain medal as it is still agonizing to watch his final 30 meters where Pre's body shuts down as cocky Brit Ian Stewart zooms past for the bronze. The final moments abruptly end with a seemingly mix of Pre's and Shorter's close 74 race confused with the final 75 race (not so close) where after dropping Shorter off, Pre has his fatal accident. Of Note, Frank Shorter plays an Olympic telecaster for the Munich 5000 meters. Jeremy Sisto, who plays the crazed Billy in six feet under, does a pretty good job playing Shorter.
Not near as good as Prefontaine
Donald Sutherland had his moments, but Lee Ermey was a better Bowerman. I liked Jared Leto better than Billy Crudup as Steve. Prefontaine was more inspirational and seemed to follow the documentary more closely. Save your 2 hours and watch Prefontaine.
Another great Running DVD
Since taking up running about 8 years ago, I have enjoyed the films of the sports greats. While I enjoyed "Pre", I think Without Limits is a slightly better portrayal of Pre. Being a Donald Sutherland fan moved me to 5 stars. This film was for me more 'watchable' than Chariots of Fire as I was able to enjoy the character development of Pre. A movie that you can watch over and over again.