Can I trust this guy? That is the essential question that is being asked throughout James Toback's new documentary, Tyson. At first the subject of the film, Mike Tyson, comes off as a lovable goof who made millions in the ring and lost millions in court. A man who dominated fights and then was embarrassed in the ring. Toback makes a concerted effort to get his audience to empathise with his protagonist. After all, Tyson came from nothing and truly lived (and by all indications) is still living the American Dream.
The one glaring problem with the film is that it never challenges the viewer to think. Instead Toback allows Tyson to do the thinking and believe me he does a lot of it.
When I watch documentaries I look forward to being challenged by the filmmaker. For example in Andrew Jarecki's Capturing the Friedmans, the viewer is never given the chance to take a break from thinking. Jarecki chooses to throw details and confessions and the viewer has to constantly judge and assess, what facts are right and/or wrong.
It's hard not to take a break from Tyson. The movie does not present the challenges that moviegoers deserve and require while watching a documentary.
At one point in the film, Iron Mike discusses the rape of beauty contestant Desiree Washington and his subsequent incarceration. It is here where the viewer sees the transition that Tyson made from a boy filled up with pent up aggression to full out lunatic. It is the greatest achievement made by Toback, we start to truly feel bad for this man- guilty or not.
Overall, the movie was a decent watch and at this point in the movie season I would recommend it.
2.5 out Five H's
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