The Price of Fame

The Price of Fame is a heartfelt, biographical sports drama released in 2017 which centres around the personal and professional life of famous American professional wrestler Ted DiBiase, otherwise known by his ring name ‘The Million Dollar Man’. Using a mixture of interviews, archival footage, and narrations, the film explores the rise, fall and redemption of DiBiase. The film is directed by Peter Ferriero and features DiBiase himself, his son Ted DiBiase Jr., and the late 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper.

As viewers are introduced at the start of the film, the meteoric rise of Ted DiBiase in the wrestling world is a story familiar to many wrestling enthusiasts. A talented wrestler, brilliant performer and charismatic persona, DiBiase was both revered and envied among his contemporaries and worshipped by his fans. Using stage lights, staged fights and his infamous, flamboyant ‘Million Dollar Man’ persona, he was able to achieve fame and fortune in the 80s wrestling industry, scaling the dizzying heights of success.

However, The Price of Fame delves further, beyond the scripted drama and showcasing of wrestling to reveal the man behind the glitz and glamour. The film presents a raw and moving testimony of DiBiase’s life - grappling with family tragedies, personal failings, and the overwhelming pressures that come with fame. The complex portrayal of DiBiase’s life draws attention to the often-overlooked lives of the performers outside the ring, highlighting the physical and mental challenges they face as they constantly strive to entertain their audience.

Ted DiBiase Jr., also a professional wrestler and the son of Ted DiBiase, contributes significantly in narrating the story of his father. His perspective casts a new light onto DiBiase’s journey, adding an inspiring and uplifting perspective to the otherwise stark narrative. The father-son dynamic serves as an integral layer to the storyline, bringing an emotional depth that resonates with viewers tackling themes of family, legacy, struggle and redemption.

The late 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper, another prominent wrestling figure, is another noteworthy contributor to the film. Piper’s personal anecdotes and perspectives on the wrestling industry serve to deepen the viewers’ understanding of the era and the people who were part of it. Apart from being a peer, Roddy Piper’s insights serve as another testament to DiBiase’s journey, intertwining their paths and fortifying the plot of the film.

The Price of Fame illustrates how the glimmers of fame can sometimes veil a reality of struggle and pain. It embarks upon talking about the captivating allure of fame, the intoxicating spell of power that can lead one astray, and the heavy costs one has to pay to uphold their stardom. Simultaneously, it is also a display of hope, resilience and redemption, providing a reminder that one is never too lost to find their path back.

A particularly commendable aspect of the film is the successful portrayal of wrestling as more than a staged entertainment sport. The film forces viewers to see wrestling as a demanding and brutal profession, that requires not only physical stamina but also emotional fortitude and psychological balance.

This film will resonate particularly with wrestling enthusiasts, providing nostalgia and a whole new level of respect for the wrestlers of the past. However, even for those who are not big fans of wrestling, the film offers a universal appeal. The story isn’t solely about wrestling - it mirrors the life of anyone grappling with the challenges of their profession, the pressure to stay on top, the struggle with personal demons, and the ultimate fight for redemption. The overarching themes of struggle, resilience, and redemption showcases the human side of a larger-than-life sport personality.

Overall, The Price of Fame is an exploration of DiBiase's life as he ascends to superstar status, endures downfall, and eventually finds redemption. It gives audience members a look behind the curtain of professional wrestling, revealing a deeply human story that has never been told with such honesty and authenticity on screen. Love or hate wrestling, the movie is sure to engage with its undeniably inspiring story, packed with numerous lessons for life.