TT3D: Closer to the Edge (2011)

By vividly recounting the TT's legendary rivalries and the Isle of Man's unique road racing history, this 3D feature documentary will discover why modern TT riders still risk their lives to... See full summary »

Director:

Richard De Aragues

Stars:

Guy Martin, Ian Hutchinson, John McGuinness

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Guy Martin	...	Himself
Ian Hutchinson	...	Himself
John McGuinness	...	Himself
Michael Dunlop	...	Himself
Keith Amor	...	Himself
Bruce Anstey	...	Himself
John Barton	...	Himself
Paul Dobbs	...	Himself
Cameron Donald	...	Himself
Ryan Farquhar	...	Himself
Dave Hewson	...	Himself
Gary Johnson	...	Himself
Mark Miller	...	Himself
Dan Sayle and Klaus Klaffenbock	...	Himself
Jenny Tinmouth	...	Herself

Storyline

By vividly recounting the TT's legendary rivalries and the Isle of Man's unique road racing history, this 3D feature documentary will discover why modern TT riders still risk their lives to win the world's most dangerous race. The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy is the greatest motorcycle road race in the world, the ultimate challenge for rider and machine. It has always called for a commitment far beyond any other racing event, and many have made the ultimate sacrifice in their quest for victory. A story about freedom of choice, the strength of human spirit and the will to win. It's also an examination of what motivates those rare few, this elite band of brothers who risk everything to win. The vision of top commercials director Richard de Aragues, this promises to be one of the most thrilling films of 2011.

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Plot Keywords:

tourist trophy | motorcycle | motorcycle race | england

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Taglines:

Just because you're breathing doesn't mean you're alive.

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Genres:

Documentary | Sport

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 April 2011 (USA)

Also Known As:

Isle of Man - TT3D Hart am Limit

Filming Locations:

Belfast, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

£312,998 (UK) (22 April 2011)

Gross:

£917,491 (UK) (13 May 2011)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Isle of Man Film, CinemaNX

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Officially broke the £1m mark at the UK box office by 23rd May, 2011.

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Quotes

Guy Martin: Different things make different people happy, don't they? Some lads love going to the pub, I don't like being in the pub. Some lads love shagging, I don't like shagging. I don't mind it, but I'm not into it. I'd rather just go and ride me motorbikes or me pushbikes. It's whatever you're into, isn't it? If we was all the same everybody would be at the TT. wouldn't they? But different things make different people tick. And that makes me tick, and that's why I'm gonna keep on going.

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Crazy Credits

The opening credit with the film title appears as if painted on the road. The closing credits appear as if one looks down to the road while riding fast, with the credits floating over the asphalt.

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Connections

References No Limit (1935)

User Reviews

Thrills, spills and chills abound for the freedom of choice sports movie.

Since 1907 there has been a motorcycling event held on the Isle of Man known as the Tourist Trophy. Raced at great speeds around the winding roads, lanes and streets of the Isle, it's as dangerous as it is exhilarating. There has been over 230 deaths caused as a result of the races held on the Isle; so just what sort of person gets on those motorbikes and takes up the challenge?………

Barry Sheene was scared of it, he wouldn't ride it. Southern Softie.

Forget the 3D aspect that was a part of the film's release, for although it's undoubtedly ace in that format (judging by the supreme quality of the 2D Blu-ray version I saw), this documentary film does not need gimmicks or window dressing to sell itself. This is a pure and honest character picture that is based around a high speed race festival of some standing. Much like the brilliant Senna documentary from earlier in the year, this too is not just a film for motor sport fans. It's selling point is that it attempts to get under the skin of what makes these race riders tick, showcasing their reckless dedication to the sport they love so passionately. Even when faced with death of friends and family in the races, or untold serious injury to themselves, they are undaunted in their willingness to get back on a fast bike ASAP.

It's not as if these are irksome characters either, these bikers are affable human beings, easy to identify with and support. No egos on show, and no nasty underhand tactics being used to gain an advantage, they all share a common goal and believe in said goal with modesty and principals firmly intact. At the centre of Richard de Aragues' film is Guy Martin, the epitome of the down to earth racer who rides at the festival. Leather clad and with Wolverine sideburns, Martin is a wonderfully rich character, full of bon mots as he speed talks about anything from masturbation to the unbelievability of a man eating his own head! Martin provides much of the humour on show. That the film successfully blends such humour with the inevitably more sombre moments is a testament to the fine work by de Aragues and his editor, Beverly Mills.

Sombre comes in the form of death, two riders were killed at the 2010 meeting that the film focuses on, Australian Martin Loicht and Paul Dobbs of New Zealand. Dobbs' widow Bridget is a willing participant in the film, and her input is beautifully tender whilst helping us outsiders to understand the passion and drive of someone like her passed on husband. The race footage shown is brilliantly shot, real adrenalin pumping and often hair-raising into the bargain, and the back drop of the Isle itself is gorgeous, beautifully photographed by Thomas Kürzl, making this still further an essential Blu-ray package. Are there missteps? Well it didn't need an American narrator as it sounds out of place, one can only presume that Jared Leto is a fan and was seen as a good link for the American audiences? While there's a slight problem with making the ebullient Martin the main player, in that the achievements of the other riders featured perhaps doesn't get the glory it should. You will find yourself rooting for Martin for sure.

I'm not a motor sport fan myself, I admire them but would never call myself a follower. In the space of 12 months motor sport has had two film documentaries of supreme standing. Just like Senna, TT3D: Closer to the Edge is not only one of the best sports based films of the year, it's one of the best films of the year, period. 10/10