The fascinating biopic of '70s track star Steve Prefontaine successfully dispenses with the triumph-of-the-underdog clichés of most sports movies. Prefontaine was the athlete with the rock-star looks who'd insist on running out front. He believed he was the best in the world - - until he came fourth in the Munich Olympics.
Written and directed by Robert Towne (the screenwriter of Chinatown), and produced by Tom Cruise, Without Limits is about passion, commitment, belief, talent, vanity and - - ultimately - - failure.
Crudup is mesmerising as the lead - - cock-sure, narcissistic and yet idealistic - - with fine support from Sutherland as his coach. The races themselves are thrillingly mounted and edited, even for non-aficionados. Highly recommended.
