CHARIOTS OF FIRE (1981)

Sports and competitive leisure was something for the aristocrats and rich before and the years after World War I.  Thorstein Veblen’s work The Theory of the Leisure Class provides a detailed description with intricate notions and ideas in regards to this topic.  One must understand that the socioeconomic climate of the society, as average people were forced to work and often lacked adequate education, which provided an opportunity for sport.  Furthermore, the time it took to play games on foreign soil often required financial means, which meant that Olympic games and other sporting events were almost only limited to the upper class who also enforced rules of amateurism.  The rule of amateurism was applied to sports in order to keep the sports clean from monetary profiteering, but it also kept the ordinary and undesired people away from sports.  Participating amateurs in sports events were usually upper class, and not allowed to accept any form of payment which did not affect them as they usually had old money within the family.  In the shadow of this notion, the audience should consider the limited number of actual participants in the Olympic games that existed before the 1930s.  This information should be in the back of the head of the audience as they sit down to enjoy the terrific film, Chariots of Fire.

A simplistic view of Chariots of Fire could be that it deals with men who run.  However, this simplistic view will not give the film the justice it deserves, as the elaborate theme actually begins in shadow of World War I.  The theme is actually explicitly clarified during the Freshmen Dinner at Cambridge where the Master provides the newcomers with a poignant speech in regards to the past and the necessity of self-discovery.  The Master points out that through their studies the students should find their strengths, which they should maximize, as they should develop their own “…honesty, goodness, vigor, zeal, and intellectual promise.”  This speech provides an encouraging motivation to better themselves, and the society within which they live. In the backdrop of this speech the story focuses on a couple of British gentlemen from two very different cultures -- one a Jew and the other a Christian.

Initially, the story opens in the middle of Harold M. Abrahams’ funeral, which brings the audience back in time through a double flashback.  The first flashback is a shot of when the runners in 1923 prepare on a beach for the Olympic games of 1924. In the second flashback, the audience is introduced to the eloquent Harold M. Abrahams (Ben Cross) who is about to begin his university studies at Cambridge where old traditions rule.  Abrahams’ background is first revealed through Master of Trinity (John Gielgud) and Master of Caius (Lindsay Anderson) who are discussing with delicate irritation in their tone how his father acquired his wealth.  A Jewish heritage has proven to Abrahams that he must work harder than others in order to accomplish his goals.  This has fostered a tenacious attitude within him to succeed that does not stop at anything, as long as he remains within the laws.  His attitude is well expressed during his first week when Abrahams challenges the College Dash, a run which no one has beaten in 700 years. 

Secondly, the audience is brought to Scotland to meet the other main character Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), who was born in China by a missionary family.  Liddell, a faithful protestant, has a unique talent to run and he finds that he is running to honor his God given skill and faith.  Whenever Liddell is not running he is preaching in comparison to how running requires same kind of heart that a faithful heart requires to God.  On occasion he finds himself in a predicament, as his faith collides with the worldview on sports, which culminates in the 1924 Olympics in Paris, France.

Liddell and Abrahams were outsiders to the British class system, but they exemplify the statement given in regards to “…honesty, goodness, vigor, zeal, and intellectual promise.”  Both men demonstrate their hard work and effort in regards to their preparations to competitive running while sportsmanship is expressed to contestants during competition.  The two men’s intellectual promise shines when both face hardships, but through personal devotion to find a solution to the problem they visualize their wisdom.  Running is simply putting one foot in front of the other in a rapid manner, yet it is the purpose of ambition that provides the reason why these men run.

Chariots of Fire come across as a period film with the elaborated mise-en-scene of the time shortly after World War I.  Yet, there is a personal touch to each character that leaves a lasting impression on the audience.  The impact that the characters have on the audience is much due to the excellent cast.  One character that stands out is Sam Mussabini (Ian Holm) who emits a strong persona that simply makes the viewer stare in wonder.  Another reason why the story is excellent is the meticulous script, which gives an authentic feel to the story.  In addition, the score by Vangelis initially brushes the mind to slowly create spectacular emotional fireworks in progress as the story unfolds.  The combined effect of all the aspects of filmmaking ultimately provides a marvelous cinematic experience with suspense, drama, and contemplation.

DIRECTED BY
Hugh Hudson

COUNTRY

UK
REVIEWED
2/9/2005
GRADE


Filmography links and data courtesy of  
The Internet Movie Database.