Murderball - Dendy Opera Quays

Ethan Switch - Wednesday, 14 September 2005 - Print Version

Flapping through the shadows, various articles of street press and promotional flyers. Ready to slice open a finger susceptible thanks to dry skin being a prime surface for paper cuts. Moments before the actual screening of Murderball, a note to take leave and visit the confectionary station known as the Candy Shop. As with any other, oily sighs breathe on the seats.

Wheezing through the first half, a man in a row behind barely makes it out alive. The lungs collapsing on each moment of darkness cast from the silver screen in white. A woman who clicks on an empty drink bottle is quick to dash when psychotic eyes turn around and offer them the promise of Colorado boots in full force. Foil packaging of an obese nation crinkles loudly and drowns out the sound system of the cinema.

Names of at least five different film companies flash up on the screen to present Murderball. The procession goes on and on with no end in sight. Until there is.

Murderball is a documentary on the USA Wheelchair Rugby squad. A motley crew of Paralympians and quadriplegics riding on wheelchairs the likes of which Mad Max would be proud of and referenced yet again.

Murderball spotlights quick moments in many of the team member's lives as well as those that would add valuable currency. The pacing of the action only slows down in the standard dying seconds of a sporting match. Not the kind of film to choke down on inspiration with a good rub of oil, Murderball is a breezy and enlightening piece. Dispelling rumours and fallacies with regards to self-sufficiency and sexual prowess, it's a tough nut that won't break easy.

Members of the USA rugby team are of an indomitable spirit and unrelenting. Pure fire jets streams from their nostrils when they talk. Directors Dana Adam Shapiro and Henry Alex Rubin extracting a clarity in their lives so effortlessly and without any pretense. From the trials of championships down the spine of the Athens Paralympics, there is so much emotion it's enough to cause an aneurysm.

Mark Zupan and Joe Soares stand counter on the sides. Their personalities strengthen this film to no end. Conflicts with themselves and each other just picking up ramming speed all without skipping a heartbeat.

Soares is a man scorned, battling through blazing questions of patriotism and honour. Soares in many aspects, suffers from his own dealings, the corruption of his own mind. Zupan on the other hand, is much like a rock god and a mentor for all. The man recently out of rehab is a shining example of the effects his personality. No wonder the man is spokesperson for the rugby team.

Murderball is as fast, well executed documentary as the snapping of the neck and as solid as the slamming of wheelchairs on the rugby court.

Ethan Switch