My Run is a documentary directed by Tim VandeSteeg (and narrated by Billy Bob Thornton), which centers around Terry Hitchcock, a 50+ year old man, who tragically loses his wife to breast cancer and struggles raising three kids on his own. One day, he gets an idea to accomplish the impossible—"run 75 consecutive marathons in 75 consecutive days," despite his health problems, to raise awareness for the plight of single parents and their kids. While on this journey, he brings inspiration to the community around him as well as his family and friends.
Remember that late 15 minute (or so) segment of Forrest Gump where Forrest is running all over the U.S. map, bumping into all kinds of people, and somehow inspiring them? I had always wondered, during that whole journey, what things did he take away from everything he saw along the way? I have to admit that that 15 minute segment seemed out of place because it could've been a whole other movie on its own (in fact, it felt like a different movie). Well, My Run is THAT movie and yes, answers that question I had. Of course, the difference, compared to Forrest Gump, being that this is a true story.
In essence, this is a road movie, except it is on foot. I've often said one of the most important elements of any good road movie is that it must be more about the inner journey of the character(s) than the external journey of going from point A-to-B. This film is just that kind of film. As Terry attempts his 2000-plus mile attempt, the camera follows wherever he runs to, the various places and people he encounters along the way. He also encounters many obstacles, weather conditions, along with physical and mental strain. What is unusual is that he isn't a marathon runner at all. He's 57, doesn't have a runner's body, and he has a heart condition. In the film, Terry explains to us that this particular journey has a symbolic parallel with his own life, faith, and struggles as a single parent.
It is always difficult for me to critique a documentary because I can't really blame the writer if the writing is bad and even the director is somewhat limited in control. Ultimately, I believe the quality should depend on how well the film presents the subject and how interesting the subject is. Terry Hitchcock, thankfully, is a fascinating personality, while still being very real. We feel his emotions, his imperfections, and his insight about life. The film is interspersed with interviews with his family members, friends, trainer, and Terry himself, with voice-over narration kept to a minimum.
What I particularly appreciated about this film was the organic nature. It wasn't static or overly facts-driven. There was humor, yet it wasn't sarcastic or cynical. I liked how we got to know more of Terry's insight from the people that he met. I liked how it wasn't voice-over heavy. The film is an emotional one, but is brought on by the people and their stories. We get to know a lot about his son, his biggest supporter, in subtle ways.
What's great about films like this, about regular people like Terry, is that ultimately, it is not all about him, or how great he is, but it is what he does with what he has, as well as the community support, that makes him an inspiration. Yes, he does accomplish his goal, but it was the journey that was more important—and how he reacted to those obstacles. While he may not be as physically fit, talented, or young as some of us may be, he reminds us that even we, who do have more, can achieve great heights. Yes, we could watch yet another documentary on Kobe Bryant or Michael Jackson, films that are there to mostly show how "human" they really are (and to sell more records and tickets). Terry, on the other hand, is already "human"—he is all of us (at one point or another) and like his friends, his family, and his community, we are journeying in our lives right along with him. I give My Run **** out of **** stars.
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