Visions Of Eight (1973)

The 1972 Olympics as seen through the eyes of eight different directors from eight different countries, each choosing a particular segment of the Olympics to focus on. The 1973 Olympics were, of course, the scene of the shocking massacre of Israeli athletes by Palestinian terrorists which is only alluded to in the film itself though the film is dedicated to the slain Israeli athletes. Olympic documentaries have been done before, most notably Leni Riefenstahl's OLYMPIA (1938) and Kon Ichikawa's (who returns here) TOKYO OLYMPIAD. What's most surprising considering what a rich subject at hand is what, for the most part, a dull film it is. The is a visual essay showcasing the grace and strength of the athlete but also his obsessions. Russia's Yuri Ozerov focuses on the moments before the competition begins but his segment is a throwaway, almost over before it begins. Sweden's Mai Zetterling focuses on weight lifters. Japan's Kon Ichikawa on the 100 meter race. Germany's Michael Pfleghar on female athletes, the Czech Milos Forman on the Decathlon. U.S.'s Arthur Penn on the pole vault. France's Claude Lelouch, in the film's best segment, focuses on the losers and Britain's John Schlesinger focuses on the Marathon, specifically one runner, Ronald Hill. His is also the only segment to reference the tragedy. The original score is by Henry Mancini.