As records continue to fall in almost every human endeavour, the argument remains: is it science or just raw will that powers these achievements? With the ever-growing lists of TUE (therapeutic use exemption) medications, it’s hard to look past the science. Training methods, dietary restrictions, and psychological studies are also contributing to these statistics.
No sport is affected more by these advancements than Gridiron Football (the American kind). With that in the background, Director Justin Tipping and his team of writers Zack Akers, Skip Bronkie and Justin Tipping have created an examination of the absolute extremes and win-at-all-cost ethos that some will go to in the pursuit of athletic excellence.
Even though the story is told in a manner that is the polar opposite of a documentary, HIM makes its thoughts crystal clear. Bathed in a completely surreal feel with arresting visuals and using a psychological horror approach that eventually turns ultra-violent, you are never left with a thought of anything less than condemnation.
Using professional sport as the launching pad for our society’s fascination with overachievement and cloaking it in a horror genre exercise gives the film an assertive presentation. It’s surrealism makes sure that you never quite know the reality of the situation or its ever-changing direction. It’s quite the crazy ride.
Rob Hudson
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