Film No. 36 (2020) July 7th. 6:15 PM FENWICK 3 CINEMAS Esperance.
"There was a lot more to Brock. You could see the hunger, the naked ambition to be number one" (The voice over of a commentator who described most of Brock's Bathurst victories).
As far as sports documentaries go, Brock: Over The Top is a thorough depiction of Australia's greatest motor racing legend. It sounds a little clinical I know, but so is this feature doco. I think the test of a good documentary comes when people who have no interest in the themes (motor racing) walk away having been enlightened and thoroughly entertained. Brock: Over TT was every bit that for me, my wife and a couple of good friends.
Peter Brock died, tragically, by the side of a road (hit a tree) while rally driving, in the Western Australian countryside in August 2006. So many more Australians became engaged with the legend because of the stories that emerged around his private life after his death. But the film never takes a tabloid approach to what quite rightly are private matters. All of Brock's wives, family and close confidants have set pieces to camera, all done with class and clarity. Brock is presented as a single minded and dedicated racer who surrounded himself with those he trusted, with one aim - to win Bathurst (Australia's Le Mans) each October from 1972 to 1987. He did this 9 times, hence his legend status.
Brock's real rock through all of this was Bev Brock, his second wife and while there was always rumour and innuendo about Brock and his alleged philandering's the film leaves little doubt Brock would not have excelled as he did, considering his many challenges along the way, without the power of their partnership. The strength of this feature is the oxygen it gives in portraying the loyalty and dedication his family bestowed upon him.
I'm Australian, I'm sold on taking in an interesting piece of my own country's sporting history. I'm not sure Brock will stir much interest internationally. Sadly, it seems that few Aussies are catching the cinema release. It's reception (since mid June) has been underwhelming. SBS or the ABC will surely find a slot for it. If so, I'd recommend this depiction of Peter Perfect,Australia's greatest car racer. 9GUMS.
I'm a similar age to PB and a car racing fan. I enjoyed the doco enormously, reliving those incredible times he had at Bathurst unlikely in my opinion to be repeated. It's a testament to Peter that all those people spoke fondly of him, Energy Polarizer aside. I liked Bev Brock's ending comment to their children of I think 95% perfect. Peter perfect. Cheers Graham
Yes I think you are right Graham. Bev was the rock Peter needed as well. I taught in a small W.A. country town a couple of years after Bev had completed her stint there. She left an impression, a good one, there as well. Chris.
I'm a similar age to PB and a car racing fan. I enjoyed the doco enormously, reliving those incredible times he had at Bathurst unlikely in my opinion to be repeated. It's a testament to Peter that all those people spoke fondly of him, Energy Polarizer aside. I liked Bev Brock's ending comment to their children of I think 95% perfect. Peter perfect.
ReplyDeleteCheers Graham
Yes I think you are right Graham. Bev was the rock Peter needed as well. I taught in a small W.A. country town a couple of years after Bev had completed her stint there. She left an impression, a good one, there as well. Chris.
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