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Take It to the Limit

Take It to the Limit (1980)

Mar 01, 1980 1h 35m Documentary

This movie is a fun look back into a bygone era of motorcycling. More than the ubiquitous "history of Harley" type documentaries, this move looks at the entire culture of motorcycling from the 60's & 70's and covers road racing, motocross & desert racing, drag racing, trials and more. The viewer gets to see in action the famous racers we had only previously seen in photos and even ride along with Mike "The Bike" Hailwood on a 190 MPH lap of the Isle of Mann. If you liked the requisite motorcycle movie "On Any Sunday," you'll LOVE this one. The soundtrack, with songs by Foreigner and Arlo Guthrie, is nostalgically cool too.

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Directed by Peter Starr

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Peter Starr
Writer
  • Charles Michael Lorre
  • Peter Starr

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Thematic Analysis

Take It to the Limit represents a fascinating example of Documentary cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Peter Starr brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1980, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Take It to the Limit took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
  • The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 1980, when this film was released:
  • MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
  • Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While Take It to the Limit shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Olympia: Part One – Festival of the Nations, which focuses more on action than character development, Take It to the Limit offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Olympia: Part Two – Festival of Beauty and Germany: A Summer's Fairytale explore similar territory, Take It to the Limit stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: March 1, 1980
  • Runtime: 1h 35m