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©1980, a film by Albert and David Maysles,
16mm, color, 26 mins
Film Synopsis:
Two captivating personalities clash in Muhammad and Larry,
a close-up portrait of boxing legends Muhammad Ali and
Larry Holmes. As each athlete separately prepares for a
World Heavyweight Boxing Championship, the Maysles
brothers follow them with their camera. From sparring
matches to private moments at home, the film catches the
boxers' witty remarks, side comments, and challenges to
each other. The two are a dramatic juxtaposition of wit and
passion, each figure diametrically-opposed, but both in
admiration for the other. Despite their different personalities,
Ali and Holmes share an obsession with the same victory.
They used to be sparring partners but now they focus on
exchanging quips about their ultimate bout. "I'm going to die
hard anywhere," Larry Holmes claims. "I'll fight right to the
end. I'll fight with broken jaws." Muhammad and Larry watches
this love-hate relationship with a mutual allegiance to both men.
Down to its powerful last line, the film shows the personal side
of human greatness.
(text by Justin Marks)
Accolades:
Aired in the UK on the eve of the big fight.
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