The documentary is based around the Evel Knievel Days event in Butte, Montana. The presenter, Richard Hammond, spends four days with former motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel. Knievel, by now 69 years old, had become very ill, requiring an oxygen tank strapped up to him constantly to aid with breathing. 48 hours before the film crew arrived, Knievel had a stroke. At several points during filming, Knievel cuts the interview short and leaves before Hammond has finished asking questions.
Reviews
Fanciful, disturbing, and wildly original, it announces the arrival of a fresh, bold voice in American cinema.
While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.
There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.
It’s sentimental, ridiculously long and only occasionally funny
He died not long before this programme was broadcast, and it was part of a Top Gear Night on BBC2, so I knew I should give it a go. Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond (who had that near fatal high speed car crash at one time) basically travelled to America and arranged to meet probably the most famous daredevil in the world, and one of his childhood heroes, Evel Knievel. Over the few days he talked to him, he asked many questions about his family, his career, and the daredevil lifestyle. The programme also showed some of his old great stunt work with footage and news articles, all showing not only how famous he became, but other elements to his personality as well. Obviously as he is getting older his health was deteriorating, and quite a few times when Richard wanted to talk to him or other people wanted to see him, he was taken away being unwell. Unfortunately, I have to say, and no disrespect to his health, but at times in this programme, Knievel seemed a little mad and quite rude at times. A good programme about a legend in his own right. Very good!
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