Hell on Wheels

The year 2003 saw the centenary of the world's premier cycling event: the Tour de France, a month-long, 2500-kilometer race around the French countryside, captured here in Pepe Danquart's documentary Hell on Wheels, which covers the event from start to finish, primarily from the viewpoint of German riders Erik Zabel and Rolf Aldag (American champion Lance Armstrong also figures prominently). Truth be told, this isn't a terribly exciting film—in fact, one feels somewhat embarrassed to admit to being thrilled by the occasional crash—but at a butt-numbing 123 minutes, it's certainly comprehensive. The drama, such as it is, comes from the contrast between the placid, picturesque countryside and the driven men who push themselves to the limits of physical endurance in order to complete the grueling ride. Since the competitors whizzing past the cameras are unable to stop for interviews, context is necessarily provided by those watching the race, including French journalist Serge Laget, who remarks, “Cycling is the only sport that ennobles the spectator.” A dubious claim, and one can't help but wonder how many viewers after watching two hours of Tour de France will actually feel ennobled as opposed to simply being drained. DVD extras include behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes, and a photo gallery. Optional. Aud: P. (E. Hulse)