Hands on a Hardbody: Texans keep on truckin'...
is, Bindler and his cohorts never allow the narrative to devolve into cheap laughs at the expense of the contestants. This film could easily become your typical "let's all laugh at the rednecks" mockery, but that path is wisely avoided. However silly the contest may seem, the film largely protects the dignity of the participants and honors the spirit of community surrounding the spectacle. This is a big event in Longview and the auto dealership is never at a loss for supportive observers throughout the 4-day standoff. Family members and friends rally around the participants, providing them with food, coffee, even massages during the breaks, as well as constant moral support.
Even the competitors are there for one another; with little to do but talk, and placed in such an extreme environment, new friendships are quickly formed. When Paul Prince drops out, he returns the very next day to support the remaining contestants as they battle it out. The event brings the town together, and the emotional highs and lows are more vividly felt because they are shared with others. In the end, Benny says it best, "You basically learn the values of humanity...Because you see other people struggling, fighting the same thing you're fighting, wanting the same thing you want. And you see them lose, and that has value. Even losing. Because at least they tried, and there's not too many triers in the world today. There's not that many people that are willing to take a risk." Hands on a Hardbody is an amusing film about a small town anomaly, but it's also a celebration of the hope that inspires people to take that risk, to seek out a better life for themselves, and the communal support surrounding that endeavor. It may not be Mt. Everest, but there's a ring of nobility nonetheless.
For an interview with director S.R. Bindler, go to: http://www.indiewire.com/film/interviews... http://www.salonmag.com/ent/movies/int/1...
For a Texan point of view on the film, check out: http://www.weeklywire.com/ww/07-13-98/au...
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