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Big-Time Soccer: The Remarkable Rise & Fall of the NASL

Big-Time Soccer: The Remarkable Rise & Fall of the NASL (2021)

Oct 13, 2021 1h 30m Documentary

Nearly 40 years since its demise, the North American Soccer League continues to linger in the memories and imaginations of soccer fans across the United States — and beyond. The colorful, oftentimes controversial league attracted some of the game’s greatest players: Pele, Best, Cruyff, Muller, Beckenbauer, to name a few. Crowds of 70,000-plus flocked to games as the NASL brought star power to a country where soccer had been virtually invisible just a few years earlier.

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Directed by Rachel Viollet

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Rachel Viollet
Producer
  • Rachel Viollet

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Thematic Analysis

Big-Time Soccer: The Remarkable Rise & Fall of the NASL 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 Rachel Viollet 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 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Big-Time Soccer: The Remarkable Rise & Fall of the NASL took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 131 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 39 unique compositions.
  • The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The costume department created over 170 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 2021, when this film is released:
  • Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
  • Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Big-Time Soccer: The Remarkable Rise & Fall of the NASL shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Return to Earth, which focuses more on action than character development, Big-Time Soccer: The Remarkable Rise & Fall of the NASL offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Olympia: Part One – Festival of the Nations and Olympia: Part Two – Festival of Beauty explore similar territory, Big-Time Soccer: The Remarkable Rise & Fall of the NASL stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: October 13, 2021
  • Runtime: 1h 30m