Video and Reading Review
Video and Article Review
This analysis will look at two ways of introducing the view on the wresting sports: short film and extensive sport article, both focused on the spectacle aspect of this sport and relations between observers and sportsmen during the performance. While the article “the world of Wrestling” openly states that wrestling is not a sport, but a spectacle, ‘La Lutte’ is the documentary that introduces the roots of the professional wrestling in Montreal, Canada and shows behind the scene preparations as well as actual competition. The structure and scene selection in the movie allow the observes to see that people in the audience as well as the wrestlers enjoy the atmosphere of the performance and competitions are alternated with some shows that make the entire process more entertaining than challenging.
The article compares the performance of wrestling competition with suburban cinema, where the goal of the performers is to create spontaneity and keep for longer the attention of the audience. With that each of wrestlers is an actor and as much responsible for maintaining the spectacular nature of the show as fight against his opponent. It is interesting to see this line in the film, where the show starts with slow introduction and basic fights and turns into a scandal that involves the audience. The fact is that audience of wrestling is actually waiting for this spectacle more than wrestling competition itself. To support this idea, film focuses a lot on the facial expression of individuals in the audience as well as actors on wrestling arena.
Important observation that I make from both, the article and the movie is that it is very important to maintain the image of wrestling as a sport. Everyone involved talks about wrestling as “a great sport” and no one wish to change this definition for ‘a great spectacle’. The reason for that, in my opinion is the wish to keep this artificially spontaneous nature of this show and not to lose the charm of a surprise.
