This looks like it might be worth checking out.
From the wildman who brought us Fingers, one of the grubbiest New York City movies of the late Seventies.
Here’s A.O. Scott’s review of James Toback’s new documentary:
A lot of people, even passionate boxing fans, might prefer to forget about Mr. Tyson rather than spend 90 minutes in his company. But “Tyson” is worth seeing even if you have no particular interest in the sport or the man.
It may lack the detachment and the balance that Barbara Kopple brought to “Fallen Champ: The Untold Story of Mike Tyson,” the 1993 documentary she made for NBC, but Mr. Toback’s film, partly because it restricts itself to Mr. Tyson’s point of view, offers a rare and vivid study in the complexity of a single suffering, raging soul. It is not an entirely trustworthy movie, but it does feel profoundly honest.
I was at yesterday's SWB Yankees game. Freddy Garcia (on rehab assignment) vs. Phil Hughes. Hughes looked awesome. His curveball was wicked. He went 7.2 innings before giving way to Mark Melancon. (Who did not look quite as awesome, but got the job done.)
On offense, outfielder Todd Lincoln was the hero. He was 2 for 5...and the two were a home run and a double.
I posted some photos of the game here.
There was hardly anyone there. Probably because it was cold and a bit drizzly. And so early in the season. Still, I was surprised that there were actually tickets in the lower deck available. Really good tickets. Behind home plate, even. Last year, even if hardly anyone was there, the lower levels were sold out. I wonder if some kind of season ticket deal has expired or something. According to the monument in front of the stadium, they sold season tickets before the stadium was even built.
Did I actually type "Todd Lincoln"? Good grief. It's Todd Linden. Sheesh.
Man, I love that movie "Fingers". It might be my favorite Keitel performance. Toback is usually interesting so I'm definitely checking out the Tyson doc. When Iron Mike made his cameo in "Black and White", I remember thinking that he was amazingly charismatic on film. That shouldn't be surprising, I suppose, since he's always been a magnetic figure on tv. But on the big screen, he was an amazing presence.
Speaking of boxing, the HBO special "The Thrilla in Manila" is very good. I was struck by how bitter (rightly or wrongly) Joe Frazier still is toward Ali.
I caught a leaked version of Tyson (I know, I know...the collapse of the film industry is all my fault), great stuff.
I will not miss this. Tyson was so dominating in his time, and captivating still.
Me and some friends had a discussion recently about NYC in the 80s versus today and how some of the athletes are reflective of their respective eras. Peep the difference between Jeter/Wright/Tiki/Eli/etc.versus LT/Rickey/Doc & Darryl/Gastineau/Iron Mike. Granted it’s cherry picking a bit, but still brings up interesting dialogue.