Beyond the Mat (2000)

At first, this behind-the-scenes documentary about professional wrestling seems as if it will be an unabashed fan's whitewash of the increasingly bizarre and popular world of "sports entertainment," as it is known. But director Barry Blaustein (a Saturday Night Live veteran who has cowritten many of Eddie Murphy's films) goes much deeper than you'd expect in a film that is at once entertaining and disturbing. By focusing on a trio of wrestlers who give him surprising access, Blaustein uncovers human stories that can be wrenching in their stark honesty. That's particularly true of one-time superstar Jake "the Snake" Roberts, whose career has fallen on hard times because of a crack habit; Roberts brings Blaustein along for his first encounter in several years with his grown, estranged daughter. Blaustein also goes into the lives of Terry Funk and Mick "Mankind" Foley in ways that are both revealing and, at times, upsetting. More than just a fan's appreciation, this is that rare documentary that shows you sides of a familiar subject you never knew existed. --Marshall Fine Amazon.com essential video

Good look at the ring science

One of the oldest filmic clichés is that there's nothing sadder than an old boxer, a washed up pug. To that I might state that only an old wrestler is sadder. After all, wrestling is not a true sport- it's a violent theatrical production, and there is not much at stake for the viewers. As for the wrestlers, themselves....that's where this documentary from 2000 comes in. Directed by first time auteur Barry Blaustein it chronicles the re-rise of pro wrestling to prominence in the late 1990s- the era that saw Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, and Cactus Jack become celebrities of a greater nature than any of their forebears, like Killer Kowalski, Dusty Rhodes, Bruno Sammartino, or Hulk Hogan.
The film starts off as an exploration of the men behind the `names', yet it makes a mistake right off the bat, by billing itself as an exposé of the sport, a film that `Vince McMahon doesn't want you to see'. McMahon, to those in the know, is the owner of the largest wrestling league in the nation- the WWE, then the WWF, but there's little in the film to suggest that this is a tell-all. There are some wrestlers with gripes, and we see tales of failed lives, and failed wrestling circuits, like the ECW and WCW (long since bought out by the WWE), and McMahon's league certainly has a history of dealing in drugs (steroids, etc.- as the aforementioned Hogan testified against him in a highly publicized trial in the early 90s), as well as being shamefully anti-union, and not caring of its performers (not long after the film's release one of its wrestlers- Owen Hart, of a well-known wrestling clan- was killed in a spectacular fashion while performing, and the film acknowledges that one of its minor characters, Droz, was paralyzed not long after the film was completed), but all of this is public knowledge, and old news.
What works, though is the portrait of the biz the film portrays, and the three main wrestlers whose lives it follows.... The film has its moments of poignancy and insight, but they are too few and far between. A more pristine and jaded eye would have been necessary, and a more ballsy approach to the subject matter, to gain a following outside the `choir' of pro wrestling. Still, since I go to those pews, every few years, I think it's a must see for any wrestling fan. The game has changed much during the decades, yet, in a sense, it hasn't changed at all. Whether good or bad is the crux, and what this film passes on.
September 8, 2008

An inside look to pro wrestling

Beyond the Mat is a very good documentary on pro wrestling outside the ring. I liked the way it begins with the narrator describing his love for wrestling and the reasons he decided to explore it. Barry W. Blaustein, a screenwriter begins on a journey to learn why these people abuse their bodies in this way for a living.

He explores the then WWF and you will see Vince signing a future superstar who would later end up crippled for life. Others talk about broken promises and unfair termination. Independant organizations are also brushed up on to include talented young wrestlers trying out and never getting the call. Several legends of the ring are explored in detail, Terry Funk, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, & Mick Foley. The film takes a much darker turn when focused on Jake.

You will see the rehearsals for big events. In this case the 99 Royal Rumble "I Quit" match, Rock vs. Mankind. He makes it clear that the outcomes are predetermined, it's choreographed, but the injuries are very real. ECW is also brushed up on but there is no mention of WCW.

There are extras and the most important one is a conversation. This is a short segment between Mick Foley, Jesse Ventura, & Barry Blaustein. They speak on what got them interested in pro wrestling. They talk about how much the business has changed and the "cutthroat" of the business.

Even though I didn't learn anything new. This was still an interesting watch for me. I will be honest about this. If I still had intentions on joining this business, there is a good chance my mind would be changed. It doesn't take much to be a headliner for a major promotion. And one mistake will have you in the lowest arena on earth with a very unsure future. I also did enjoy the layout of the film, plus Barry's reasons for exploring the world of wrestling. He had some very interesting questions. I mean, why would somebody want to do this? Even though some of the reasons may sound absurd to some. They're still reasons that makes sense to them. February 24, 2008

Great In-Depth Look into the Lives of Wrestlers

Most people don't think about all the work wrestlers put into doing their jobs. This DVD gives the viewer a closer look at all the injuries, broken relationships, and health issues that wrestlers deal with. I bought this DVD for my husband for his birthday, but I ended up watching it with him, and I can say I have a new appreciation for professional wrestling. I recommend this to anyone who truely enjoys wrestling and those behind it. May 6, 2007

Good but felt incomplete.

I really liked this documentary. The way they showed people who are just trying to make it to Jake the Snake who are way on the downside of their careers. However I felt like WCW should have been included but they are not. May 1, 2007

One of the best "behind the scenes" wrestling dvd's

i just bought this today and this is a very good film, it shows the truth about professional wrestling and what its about. I strongly recomend it to all ages October 21, 2006

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