Customer Reviews

Without Limits [VHS]

5 star:		(76)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

as I have read others reviewers comments. This is a movie about life and the challenges we all face as family members, individuals, students, teachers, and members of society. It's about sacrifice and going the distance. It's about following your own heart in the face of opposition. And perhaps most importantly it's about philosophy. Or more accurately it's about the contrasting philosophies of the films two principals. Bill Bowerman (Donald Sutherland) and Steve Prefontaine (Billy Crudup). Each wants to win and each is a master at their own particular craft. But the conflict arises out of each one's definition about what winning really is. And there lies the essence of the story.

The film is just flat out entertaining. Particularly the olympic race in Munich is perfectly directed with both staged and actual footing in addtion to being paced so well that I as other reviewers have commented watch the race each time on the edge of my seat hoping for an outcome that I know isn't coming. Not to mention the numerous funny one liners in the film.

Crudup and Sutherland are outstanding as opposite sides of the same coin.

Outstanding!

Hollywood has never done sports well. Their movies are usually either cloying, cliched kid flicks or sappy melodramas. "Without Limits" is neither of these. It's a fascinating, exhilarating look at a running legend.

Billy Crudup was superb as "Pre". Cool, cocky, with a running style that sent shivers through me. Donald Sutherland gives another first-rate performance as coach Bowerman. Compared to R. Lee Ermey's portrayal in the lesser movie "Prefontaine", watching Sutherland work was like eating filet mignon after beef jerky.

The highlight of the film for me was the '72 Munich race. Pure sustained tension. I've seen the film 4 times, I know the outcome, but I nevertheless hop out of my chair every time I see Pre/Crudup break from the pack. Excellent, too, how they deftly spliced in the actual footage.

Only two criticisms: the romance was hokey, and there was too much unnecessary fiction woven in (Pre gashed his foot running around a swimming pool, not while having sex upside down, for crying out loud).

But because of this movie, I learned that Pre wasn't just a flashy jock who died young. He was a true working class hero in a sport where there weren't many. He had his own running code, which he also applied in life: run all-out, ahead of the pack, all the time.

As a runner, "Without Limits" actually inspired me to actually chop seconds off my running times, which is not a bad testament. But I don't think one has to be a runner to like this movie.

It's been a few years since I first saw 'Prefontaine'. I'd seen it several times and I finally saw 'Without Limits' tonight.

Prefontaine:

Acting
I thought the acting in this movie could have been much better. The principle actors were decent, but it was a long drop off to the secondaries as far as acting talent. I felt Leto was more brash, cocky and arrogant. In comparison to Crudup, it made me feel Pre was this way on many occasions more out of fear or a need to be arrogant, as opposed to true belief in himself. More like a prima donna.

Facts
Given that these are movies and not documentaries, I really don't care about the small ones such as how close a race was, etc. But would like to get the truth on the the bigger issues such as personal relationships, how he hurt his foot (there either were witnesses, or there were not), and how directly he was involved in the fight against the AAU. I liked the added details in Munich and his life after Munich, showing his continued successes. These details were great from an informational perspective, but it certainly made the direction seem choppy. Without input from Pre himself, so many aspects of his friendship and love life are skewed by the perspective of the person that is recounting it, and can be questioned in both movies. To observe it is to change it, as they say. I would certainly say if you asked for the story of my uneventful life from 2 different ex-girlfriends, you would probably get 2 completely different stories.

Racing
This movie seemed a little shallow in this area. It seemed like all it did to teach the audience about strategy and Pre's abilities was to say, "You are too slow to sprint, so you have to push the pace faster to make the kickers tired". Maybe that is as much detail as the common viewer wants, but I would have liked to have seen more. I thought the race sequences in both films were good.

The interviews mixed with tradional story telling might have worked better if the casting had been better. Production quality was not as good as WL.

Without Limits -

Acting
By FAR the superior movie. Crudup and Sutherland's relationship just felt so much more real. And a million times more mature. You have to question authenticity of course, but their philosophical conflicts truly drive this movie and make the overall product much more mature.

Facts
This is not meant to be a documentary, and I can understand having to summarize 3-4 events into 1 event to make an accurate point - whether you are talking about Pre's love life or his races - for the sake of drama or time. I still would have liked to seen at least a few minutes talking about Pre's races after Munich instead of leaving the new viewer to thinking that he only ran 1 meet after Munich, and he died later that night. To me this was a weakness in the film. It left a lot of places where you have to fill in the blanks - such as Bowerman's appointment as Olympic coach, the Pre graduated and was no longer a student, etc. Now that I've seen both films and have a stronger grip on the true facts, skipping these details aren't as big of a deal as they are merely background to what is happening to Pre - as long as you are already aware of them.

Racing
In addition to focusing on Pre's relationships, it spent more time on race strategy, introducing other athletes than just Viren, and seemed to engage the sport at a deeper level. As a former competitor, this interested me quite a bit. Prefontaince had more race sequences, but I thought the sound effects in WL were great to create the feel of the race. The tension felt of running in the pack was expertly done, and the acting of Crudup in these sequences was good. I would have liked to see a little more pain on their faces and a little less closed-mouth running. WL did a better job at showing exactly how fast a 63 second quarter is.

This movie went out of its way to focus on Pre, Mary, and Bowerman's relationships. This just felt more authentic and mature. I think it is a shame they had to sum up so many of Pre's races - before and after the Olympics - but this was a conscious decision made to embrace Pre's story by showing fewer of his races - which can be felt as redundant in this medium, and humanizing him more. Prefontaine did a great job showing Pre's drive and heart, but I thought WL was more rewarding by showing his struggles with himself and those close to him - which surely must have existed.

While both movies showed some sides of Pre that aren't always listed as 'good' characteristics, only in WL did it truly feel like reality. The dialogue in Prefontaine certainly felt more like a Disney movie and combined with delivery, it was all a little contrived.

Once again, I felt that Without Limits was more the thinking-man's version of the movie, while Prefontaine did an excellent job with the facts of Pre's racing career and had an emotionally high value throughout the movie. Both raw emotion and embracing a new philosophy can inspire someone, and they both succeed at this. I would probably choose Prefontaine to show to people that do not know Pre's story, but for my own viewing, I would probably watch Without Limits repeatedly to get to the heart of the human story and struggles with philosophy, passion, and desire.

I really enjoy this film and, admittedly, probably for a lot of reasons external to the film itself. I am a distance runner from Oregon. Thus, the legend of Pre is alive and kicking from where I am from. I read his biography as a high school runner and admired his dedication and commitment to a sport I was only just being introduced. Moreover, I have been to Eugene many times, run on "the track," and seen the spot of his untimely death. This film is an inspiring film; if you are a runner, you must see it. It will make you want to get up off the couch and go for an easy ten.

The acting in this film is better than in "Prefontaine," the other film documenting Pre's life produced a year before this film came out. Donald Sutherland's performance as Bill Bowerman is extremely moving and endearing. His connection with Pre is that of a father to a son. As far as historical accuracy, many will quibble about the details of Pre's life and relationships, but I am not overly concerned by this fact. As in literature, it is not the job of an author to necessarily render everything according to historical accuracy. Rather, he or she must create memorable characters that move and affect us. This film achieves just that.

While its interest will definitely appeal to those of the athletic (and, in particular, running) community, I believe that its message has a more universal appeal as well. Pre set out to conquer the world and ended up finally conquering himself and coming to peace with that fact. If you're looking for an uplifting, heartwarming story-you've come to the right place.

I was disappointed with "Without Limits." For me, the only worthwhile and entertaining moments were those occasions that showed Steve on the track. Crudup's look-alike features to Prefontaine adds to the film. The disappointment came from the numerous distortions. The movie showed no moments as Steve as a student, rather as only a womanizing party animal. The viewer is left with the impression that Steve never graduated. But in fact, he graduated on time within the four years of undergraduate education. The viewer is also left with the impression that Steve fell apart after the '72 Olympics and dropped-off the Oregon track team. That is far from factual. Not only was Prefontaine a prominent member of the Oregon track team after the Olympics, he won NCAA collegiate titles in cross-country, the mile, and at 3-miles after the Olympics. The viewer is also given the impression that he regressed and left running after school. Fact is, Prefontaine's best came after his school years, where he set personal bests in the 1500, mile, 2K, 3K, 5K and 10K.

The person who is interested in Prefontaine's life and accomplishments cannot rely upon this film. I would suggest "Prefontaine" which covers his life in more detail and is more factually accurate.

It's really a shame that director Robert Towne's 1999 film "Without Limits" was not seen by a larger audience. This is an inspirational tribute to the all-too-short life of long distance runner Steve Prefontaine. It is also an admirable film detailing the sport of track and field and the unique athletes who participate in it. There are moments when "Without Limits" is far too conventional, especially when dealing with Prefontaine's depression after the 1972 Munich Olympics. But this is a difficult story to tell, and Towne has done an expert job in weaving Prefontaine's life around the ultimate, bittersweet highlight of his career - his heroic and memorable race at the Olympics.

Having seen both films about this subject released in the same year ("Prefontaine" starring Jared Leto was released before "Without Limits"), I can comfortably say Towne's version is a better realized, more innovative work. The editing and direction during the Olympic race is terrifically exciting, and properly captures the warrior-like nature Prefontaine displayed in that symbolic moment. The scene, which arrives about three-quarters of the way in, will raise goosebumps on your flesh. The filmmaking innovations involved, in which the race becomes as exciting a battle as anything seen in "Rocky," is a tribute to the talents of Towne. He knew what parts of that race needed to be emphasized, just as he knew why it was such a spectacular effort by Prefontaine. Towne's gone on record, of course, as being a huge track and field fan, and his overrated 1982 film "Personal Best" was another fine salute to the sport.

One cannot give enough praise to the performances of Billy Crudup as Prefontaine and Donald Sutherland as his mentor/coach Bill Bowerman (who would go on the create Nike shoes). They bond, forming a father-son relationship that is equally touching and gentle. Their repartee, when Prefontaine first arrives on the University of Oregon campus during the 1960s as a cocky and brash track athlete, is an additional highlight.

In many ways, Prefontaine's interesting life has been simplified by Towne and co-screenwriter Kenny Moore, if only because so much of the man's life was unrealized. Prefontaine's tragic death is haunting because unlimited promise was yet on the horizon for this uniquely American athlete. But Prefontaine's spirit, which inspires people to this very day, and perhaps will forever, has been properly captured in "Without Limits." And that is why this film is an unqualified success.

Steve Prefontaine, a record setting middle distance runner, won all his races against Americans. He led his race in the 1972 Olympics but faded to fourth by a breath. He died in a car accident (drinking was involved, but to what degree is debated) in 1975 at the age of 24. All admit that he wasn't the perfect physical specimen for a runner, but he was gritty and tenacious and would not give anything less than everything he had.

You would think it would be hard to come up with a full length bio pic about someone who died at 24. Yet, in 1998 there were TWO films that came out about his life. One from Disney and the other from Warner Brothers.

The Disney Film tells the story from the point of view of the assistant coach who was with him day-to-day, Bill Dellinger and Prefontaine's girlfriend at the time of his death, Nancy Alleman. It has a good cast with Jared Leto as Prefontaine, Ed O'Neil as Bill Dellinger and R. Lee Ermy as Bill Bowerman. Siskel and Ebert reviewed it and gave it two thumbs up.

The Warner Brothers release was produced by Tom Cruise and told from the point of view of Bill Bowerman with Dellinger as a minor character and Mary Marckx. In this film there is no Nancy Alleman and Mary is his girlfriend all the way through. Bowerman is played by Donald Sutherland and is given guru status. In both films, Prefontaine is shown as headstrong and difficult to coach. Bowerman did remain active with the Oregon program and with Prefontaine after his retirement.

In both films, Prefontaine is shown as a powerful and hard charging runner who also loved to party too much and had troubled relationships with his young women. The fans love him and his fame is correctly portrayed as is his loss at the '72 Olympics.

Since the accident occurred while Prefontaine was alone in the car no one can be certain how it happened. Both films have him swerving from a second car, but the Warner film shows the rock face that the car climbed and caused it to flip on top of the runner and crushing him. He was alive when first found, but the person could not flip the car alone and by the time they got back he was gone.

Prefontaine continues to inspire young runners and people who believe that testing your limits and giving all you have is important to living and understanding your life. That these tests are a kind of art that you create for yourself and are a kind of honesty that few actually experience (even though it is open to all).

Both movies are good, and you have to decide if seeing two films about such a short life is needed, but there is certainly much worse fare shown every night on TV and at your local movie house.

First let me say that I am tired of the entire "Without Limits" vs. "Prefontaine" debate. In my book, these are both complimentary verses of the same song. I personally enjoyed Without Limits much more; when I need to feel inspired, it is the movie that I put in the VCR. "Prefontaine" covers his life in a little more detail and is more factually accurate. For example, "Prefontaine" does a better job with the 1972 Olympics by showing what happened to Lasse Viren in the 10,000 before his race (the 5,000) with Pre, showing what the play by play analysts had to say before the race, etc. Prefontaine is a good movie.

But Without Limits is a great movie. The performances in the movie flat out kick; not only Crudup (as Pre) and Sutherland (as Bill Bowerman), but even some of the more minor parts like Coach Bill Dellinger's ("everyone is offering this kid to make the move" from a phone booth in the rain) are done to perfection. The running sequences are outstanding.

Rent it...buy it...find it on cable, but see this movie.

I have watched "Without Limits" five or six times; sometimes by myself, and others with my two daughters both of whom have come to love running. Billy Crudup "IS" Pre. The fire, the passion to excell, and the full awareness of what a great gift God gave him made all of us who love running appreciate Billy's protrayal of Steve. I feel sure that Pre would have given his approval of this wonderful movie. Hats off to Tom Cruise for making this movie happen! Kudos also to Donald Sutherland for his usual fine work! Thanks to all who were part of this movie. It's my Christmas present to myself!

"Without Limits" is a biopic about America's great middle distance runner in the 2,000 to 10,000 metre events, the late Pete Prefontaine (Billy Crudup), as told through his coach and mentor Bill Bowerman (Donald Sutherland). The film takes us back to the late 1960's and early 1970's when `Pre' set many firsts, on and off the track.

The film attempts to explain his compulsion for excellence. It introduces us to his high school exploits, highlights some of his races and records set while at the University of Oregon and his 1972 Olympic bid in Munich. We see Bowerman and Pre at odds over strategy and technique, but growing in respect and admiration of one another. The film also underscores Pre's disgust with the obsolete policies of America's Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and the International Olympic Committee. There are also scenes with contemporaries Lassi Veron and Frank Shorter. Pre's girlfriend (Monica Potter), dalliances and flirtations with the ladies at the University of Oregon are woven into the story as well.

More than a biopic, "Without Limits" is a film about the will to win, to be the best, to give one's all, whether it be in sports or any of life's countless trials. While some may consider Pre high spirited and arrogant, it was his conviction to never compromise on excellence that drove him to push the limits. And that's what the film explores. Pre was an inspiration, and I hope those who watch this film will be equally driven to excel, just as he did.

He was certainly one of my heroes. And I am only too delighted to recommend this film. It's immensely satisfying to see director Robert Towne and co-writer Kenny Moore author of Bowerman and the Men of Oregon: The Story of Oregon's Legendary Coach and Nike's Cofounder (Pre's friend and former world-class runner) consider him great enough to merit this biopic. The track-savvy authenticity and love of the man is deeply reflected in this moving story.

Thanks also to the incredibly believable performances of Donald Sutherland and Billy Crudup, the film rises triumphantly and honours not only Pre, but Bowerman as well. Pick up the DVD and be inspired by a legend.