The Crash Reel
Year | 2013 |
Starring | David Pearce, Kevin Pearce, Shaun White |
Director(s) | Lucy Walker |
Runtime | 107 minutes |
Producer(s) | Geralyn Dreyfous, Julian Cautherley, Lucy Walker, Sheila Nevins |
Snowboarder Shaun White had serious trouble ahead at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics: Kevin Peace had been beating him in other competitions. Just before the Olympic trials, Kevin suffered a devastating traumatic brain injury, landing him not at the trials, but in a coma. Kevin’s close-knit family surrounded him, and his close band of friends keep vigil.
The Pearce family, all boys, including David who was born with Down’s Syndrome, turn their lives upside down for Kevin. David speaks for the emotion of the family, unwilling to let Kevin die, much less risk his life again. This is tested when Kevin, ever the competitor, wants to return to his old life — even though his head is as fragile as an egg, unable to wishstand the slightest damage. Energetically directed by Lucy Walker (Waste Land) with footage from Kevin’s competitive days, this film is exciting, fascinating and a testament to the power of teh love and devotion of family.