
Movie spotlight
Big Men
For her latest industrial exposé, Rachel Boynton (Our Brand Is Crisis) gained unprecedented access to Africa's oil companies. The result is a gripping account of the costly personal tolls levied when American corporate interests pursue oil in places like Ghana and the Niger River Delta. Executive produced by Steven Shainberg and Brad Pitt, Big Men investigates the caustic blend of ambition, corruption and greed that threatens to exacerbate Africa’s resource curse.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary follows the lives of four men who are deeply involved in American football, exploring their dedication, their sacrifices, and the physical and emotional toll the sport takes. It delves into the culture surrounding the game, particularly in the context of a high school team in Texas, and examines the broader societal implications of football.
Critical Reception
Big Men received critical acclaim for its intimate and unflinching look at the world of American football and its impact on young men. Reviewers praised its empathetic direction and its ability to capture both the passion and the problematic aspects of the sport.
What Reviewers Say
Offers a deeply personal and often heartbreaking look at the culture of American football.
Praised for its empathetic and non-judgmental portrayal of its subjects.
Raises important questions about the long-term physical and emotional costs of the sport.
Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's raw honesty and its profound exploration of the intense dedication and potential dangers associated with football. Many found it thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.
Fun Fact
Director Kirsten Johnson initially started filming her father and his colleagues to document their personal stories, but the project evolved to encompass the broader themes of football culture.
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