Review of ‘Tyson’
For those who grew up in the 90′s, the name “Mike Tyson” brings more memories as a media circus freakshow, than one of the best heavyweights in boxing history. Now I will fully divulge, I didn’t grow up a huge boxing fan nor do I claim to be a film critic (although for what’s its worth, I do have a single film credit earned from my degree at Carleton U.). My appeal for this documentary were two things; the enjoyment of “watching a car wreck ” effect and my time spent as a youth playing “Mike Tyson’s Punchout” for the NES.
Right at the opening credits a few things stand out. First is that Mike Tyson is directly involved with the film as a producer, which leads me to believe that this isn’t going to be a biased film against Tyson. The second (which is more of a random fight fact) Denver Nuggets forward Carmello Anthony is on as an executive producer, cool stuff.
The documentary consists of a series of first person interviews with Mike Tyson, which carries the story of his life. For about the first 20 minutes of the film, Tyson is sitting in his home explaining the various details of his childhood. Like many would imagine, Tyson grew up in a rough environment in the mean streets of Brooklyn, New York. It was a struggle to survive, doing anything means necessary. Many of his childhood friends today Tyson explains are either dead or addicted to drugs. This struggle, lead to many brushes with the law, including a time where Tyson reflects on being arrested at the age of 12 with 1500 dollars in his pocket. The trouble would lead Tyson to the Tryon School for Boys, where after getting involved with boxing, he would connect with future long time trainer Cus D’Amato.
D’Amato’s influence on Tysons development in life was pivotal. There are numerous times throughout the film where Tyson talks about not being able to trust anyone, except D’Amato. Tyson would eventually be adopted by D’Amato who took him into his home, providing him structure and guidance. You can really see throughout the film how D’Amato’s belief in Tyson, really aided in the Dynamtie Kid’s confidence in his successful amateur boxing career. Just when Tyson was gaining momentum in his professional career (winning 26 of his first 28 fights via knockout), D’Amato died in November of 1985.
Despite this tragedy, Tyson would win the WBC heavyweight title just a year later (and shortly after unify the WBA/IBF titles), becoming the youngest heavyweight champion (still to this day) at 20 years old. But the loss of D’Amato would greatly affect Tyson for the rest of his life as outlined throughout the film. With the fame of being the heavyweight champion, many people took advantage of Tyson, including ex-wife Robin Givens and his manager Don King. He would later be convicted of raping Desiree Washington and serve 3 years in prison. The rest of the film highlights Tyson’s fights with Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis and his final fight in the ring against Kevin McBride. All of this was summarized exceptionally well with all the various archival footage that they managed to dig up, both with Tyson’s past fights and old interviews.
While I’m not going for a second defend any of Tyson’s wrong doings, you really begin to understand when watching this film why Tyson became so messed up. While his interviews throughout the film can be both comedic and sad at the same time, you really begin to see that deep down; Tyson is genially a good guy who was pulled in all the wrong directions. He clearly had no outlet of a support group or anyone he could turn to for advice after the passing of his longtime trainer.
Overall the film, from an outsider’s perspective was excellent and there were many things I liked about this film. After doing a bit of research, I see that the director of this film James Toback has a personal relationship with Tyson, who apparently has appeared in two of his other films. You’ll notice throughout the documentary there aren’t any other interviewers or outside opinions, just Tyson. Many will be quick to say the film is biased, I think it’s a breath of fresh air.
So often, like I noted off the top, Tyson is portrayed as this raging lunatic sideshow. For once I’m glad to hear his side of the story, and get an understanding of who Mike Tyson the person and the boxer, actually is. This tough exterior of a man, who we have all seen destroying his opponents in the ring actually has a kind heart (who by the way keeps a stable of pigeons as pets). A bit of a shocker throughout the film is how outgoing and articulate Tyson actually is. But that’s the side of the story we so often don’t get to hear.
My overall opinion of the film, fight fan or not, check this one out. I give this one 4 Little Mac fist pumps out of 5
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