Pulling John

Pulling John is a 2009 American documentary film that paints the enthralling world of arm wrestling and hones in on the life of one of its preeminent figures, John Brzenk. Directed by Sevan Matossian and V. Prasad, the film offers an illuminating journey tracking three arm wrestling champions from different countries who are all vying for the coveted top spot, which for over 25 years, has been held by American John Brzenk.

John Brzenk, hailed as the greatest arm wrestler of all time, serves as the main protagonist of the film. Known as the "Perfect Storm," Brzenk has dominated the sport for more than two decades, but now finds himself on the precipice of middle age and struggling with the harsh realization of the toll the sport has taken on his body. The film adeptly captures his struggle as he is torn between the pressures of defending his title and the need to preserve his health.

Directors Matossian and Prasad bring an unexpected depth and human interest to a sport that is typically glossed over as a trivial pastime or a barroom spectacle. The narrative weaves an intricate storyline around the events, making the film more than a mere sports documentary — it's a tale of passion, struggle, heroic triumphs, and the relentless pursuit of personal glory.

Parallel to the focus on Brzenk, the film introduces two prominent challengers to his throne, namely Russian Alexey Voevoda and American Travis Bagent. Alexey Voevoda, a Russian arm wrestler, Olympian, and later, a bobsledder, is depicted as an indomitable force in the arm wrestling arena. Voevoda's life, lifestyle and his disciplined, single-minded pursuit of muscle power provide a stark contrast to the struggles faced by Brzenk.

In another character study, the filmmakers take viewers into the life of Travis Bagent, a charismatic West Virginian who manages to inject personality and excitement into the sport with his kid-in-a-candy-shop attitude and unstoppable dedication. Each man's story is told individually, yet they inevitably converge towards a possible face-off with Brzenk, which creates a tantalizing sense of anticipation.

Without resorting to gimmicks or over-dramatization, Pulling John tells a genuine, human story that revolves around the strength of the human spirit. It showcases the tough physical battles in competition while delving into the complex internal battles each athlete faces. These explorations range from questions of career longevity and the strains on family relationships, to the weight of national expectation and personal ambition.

The cinematography stands out in this film, capturing the raw intensity and the electric atmosphere of arm wrestling competitions. The directors have taken pains to show the strain, the muscle, the sweat that goes into every match. Moreover, they capture the visceral, sensory experience of the sport, making audiences feel as if they are right there, witnessing these behemoths battling it out at the table.

In many ways, Pulling John is more than a sports film; it offers a glance at different cultures, explores the human spirit, and analyzes the determination of these athletes to be the best. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or not, this film taps into universal themes of dedication, ambition, aging, and the pursuit of excellence that anyone can relate to.

It is a brilliant exploration of a relatively obscure sport, drawing viewers into a world they likely knew nothing about. It provides depth and weight to the lives of these athletes, making them more than just arm wrestlers, but human beings with strengths, weaknesses, and dreams.

In summary, Pulling John is a compelling and poignant sports documentary with a penetrating focus on the most influential arm wrestler ever, John Brzenk. It juxtaposes his reign with the rise of two major contemporaries, exploring their histories, motivations, and personal struggles. With its potent blend of sports action, human drama and impressive cinematography, the movie delivers a unique and engaging study of a sport lived at its extreme.