There's something about true-life stories that generally make them more compelling than fiction. "Without Limits" is a good example. It tells the true-life story of Oregon long-distance runner Steve Prefontaine (Billy Crudup), known as "Pre", headed for the Olympics in the early 1970s.
Pre was not built to be a runner; he was too small. But determination and sheer guts helped overcome some of his physical limitations. When his girlfriend asks him how he can beat guys with more talent, he responds: "A little secret I learned a long time ago ... I can endure more pain than anyone you've ever met."
But he and his college coach, legendary Bill Bowerman (Donald Sutherland) were constantly fighting. Bowerman explains their relationship: "From the beginning I tried to change him. And from the beginning, he tried not to change. That was our relationship, and even that never changed." Late in the film, after some disappointments, Bill and Pre continue their verbal battle. Pre: "Okay, so what's my problem Bill?" Bill: "Vanity." Pre: "Vanity?" Bill: "Your insistence that you have no talent is the ultimate vanity; if you have no talent, you have no limits; it's all an act of will."
"Without Limits" is mostly a character study of a remarkable young man. Pre comes across as: brash, contentious, charismatic, cocky, and something of a prima donna; he also comes across as idealistic, single-minded, determined, relentless, self-assured, a risk-taker who is unafraid.
The script contains some fine dialogue. And the plot builds in intensity as we approach the 1972 Summer Olympics. After that competition, there's something of a lull. But given the fatalistic nature of the story, the plot turns riveting toward the end.
Color cinematography is competent. There are lots of close-up shots, and some slow-motion shots during various races. Pop songs from the early 1970s, along with era hair styles and clothes help put the story in its proper historical context. Acting is credible. Donald Sutherland has never been better.
This is the second of two films about Steve Prefontaine. The other is the Steve James directed film "Prefontaine" (1997). Both films are excellent. These films are not just for runners or for people who like bios. They're for people who can appreciate the significance of an ordinary guy who really lived, a guy who, in his chosen field, inspired others. That's what makes these two films worth watching.
Pre was not built to be a runner; he was too small. But determination and sheer guts helped overcome some of his physical limitations. When his girlfriend asks him how he can beat guys with more talent, he responds: "A little secret I learned a long time ago ... I can endure more pain than anyone you've ever met."
But he and his college coach, legendary Bill Bowerman (Donald Sutherland) were constantly fighting. Bowerman explains their relationship: "From the beginning I tried to change him. And from the beginning, he tried not to change. That was our relationship, and even that never changed." Late in the film, after some disappointments, Bill and Pre continue their verbal battle. Pre: "Okay, so what's my problem Bill?" Bill: "Vanity." Pre: "Vanity?" Bill: "Your insistence that you have no talent is the ultimate vanity; if you have no talent, you have no limits; it's all an act of will."
"Without Limits" is mostly a character study of a remarkable young man. Pre comes across as: brash, contentious, charismatic, cocky, and something of a prima donna; he also comes across as idealistic, single-minded, determined, relentless, self-assured, a risk-taker who is unafraid.
The script contains some fine dialogue. And the plot builds in intensity as we approach the 1972 Summer Olympics. After that competition, there's something of a lull. But given the fatalistic nature of the story, the plot turns riveting toward the end.
Color cinematography is competent. There are lots of close-up shots, and some slow-motion shots during various races. Pop songs from the early 1970s, along with era hair styles and clothes help put the story in its proper historical context. Acting is credible. Donald Sutherland has never been better.
This is the second of two films about Steve Prefontaine. The other is the Steve James directed film "Prefontaine" (1997). Both films are excellent. These films are not just for runners or for people who like bios. They're for people who can appreciate the significance of an ordinary guy who really lived, a guy who, in his chosen field, inspired others. That's what makes these two films worth watching.