The competition is fierce. The rivalries are bitter. The money men are ruthless. Welcome to the cutthroat world of…skateboarding? Who knew? Well, Steve Rocco, for one: an expert ‘boarder who was a master freestyler by the late ‘70s, before becoming one of the pioneers of “street skating” (basically skating on any paved surface—using curbs, steps, handrails, and whatever else is around for cool tricks). Rocco, the titular Man, is also a bright and ambitious former used car salesman who made his name by challenging the so-called Big 5 business dudes who once dominated the skater scene. Founded in 1989, his World Industries company became a huge success, with interests ranging from outrageously designed skateboard “decks” to videos, skate parks, clothing, magazines, and more. Corralling most of the major talent in the field, not just skaters (including My Name is Earl's Jason Lee, once an ace rider), but also designers and artists, Rocco managed to simultaneously earn the grudging respect of and thoroughly alienate his competitors. Directed by Mike Hill and featuring music by Primus, Public Enemy, the Pixies, and Nirvana, among others, The Man Who Souled the World employs animation and a variety of other film techniques to capture the gonzo sensibility of its subject matter, making it consistently witty, kinetic, and fun to watch. DVD extras include audio commentary by Rocco, and a skateboard art gallery featuring graphic sex-and-violence-themed artwork. Recommended. (S. Graham)
The Man Who Souled the World
(2007) 87 min. DVD: $27.95. Whyte House Productions (avail. from most distributors). Volume 23, Issue 4
The Man Who Souled the World
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