American Bullfighter (Documentary/Cinema Libre DVD)

 

Picture: C     Sound: C     Extras: C     Documentary: C+

 

 

Alex LeMay’s documentary American Bullfighter is an attempt to tell the story of how real-life fan LeMay lost his way in life and became a serious alcoholic, until he decided to go after his dream of being a bullfighter.  In an age where it is seen as cruelty to animals, murder and he is still seeing it as romantic, some could argue that he is just repeating dry drunk behavior instead of a dream.

 

That is one of the many reasons this tends to be a screwed-up tale and hardly one of redemption as LeMay often does not realize that his dictionary is sometimes self-indictment.  We do get to see the “sport” alive and well, with a few dead bulls who give the term “red bull” the deadly old meaning.  Despite the sincere soul bearing, I felt like I was watching someone still forever in pain and it is a shame this did not have more ironic distance.  Now you can see for yourself.

 

The 1.33 X 1 image is soft throughout as expected, including with the rough archive footage throughout.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 sound is rarely stereo and is very rough going throughout, including with LeMay’s narration, which should be the clearest part.  Extras include his audio commentary, deleted scenes, stills, trailer and brief bullfighting montage.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo