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Despite its blatant mediocrity, this 1981 British film knocked 'em dead everywhere, which makes me suspect that audiences weren't responding to the film itself as much as to the attitudes that underlie it. A conventional underdog tale (of two British runners in Olympic competition) is used as emotional cover for some fiercely reactionary sentiments, including nationalism, classism, xenophobia, and religious fundamentalism. Colin Welland's script sidesteps every significant conflict it raises, while Hugh Hudson's direction steals shamelessly from the male masses of Leni Riefenstahl's Olympia. The film, in fact, fits most of the criteria for fascist art laid down in Susan Sontag's “Fascinating Fascism”—it's a celebration of pummeling physicality. The battered Britons may have some excuse for enjoying this nostalgic re-creation of empire ideology, but what's ours? 123 min. By Dave Kehr

Sorry there are no showtimes for Chariots of Fire on Wednesday, May 16.

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In my opinion it appears that Dave Kehr is the problem & not the film. He seems to be looking for a documentary in the investigative journalism thread - maybe he doesn't like romantic portrayals of true stories. Well I think the rest of us could do with a bit of escapism, so I'd say it's a bloody brilliant film. I think it's a bit of a crude simplification to call it a celebration of "pummelling physicality" anyway. Surely it's a celebration of the men that did do incredible things in those times & the motives behind their struggles. But then I'm a bit biased, because I do like the film.

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Posted by bobali on 10/23/2011 at 2:58 PM

I guess some people just need to be contrarians. It's a great film and despite your snark, it remains a great film. This review is a classic example of the grad school school weenie who could never make a film himself and must nibble at the edges of what is a powerfully moving achievement - one that uses a true story as an interesting prism through which to view the experience of two people seeking fulfillment and dignity through their running. I'd be curious to see what Mr. Kehr actually thinks is a great film (I'd imagine the only ones that qualify are those he's never made)

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Posted by Blech on 07/05/2011 at 11:33 PM
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