Tyson: Why Is This Movie Only In 8 Theaters?

Thugnificient

If you are reading this now, then there is a good chance that the documentary known as "Tyson" is more than likely no longer playing in your neighboring theater. Turns out putting an independent movie in theaters that aren't located in Los Angeles or New York, cost a chunk of change.  Tyson, the person, is depicted as an adult who has come to terms with his life.  A life filled with youthful mistakes and displacement.  This harsh upbringing then leads to his adult life which is filled with scandals and overall misfortune.  "Tyson" is great.  It is off putting, harsh at times and small bits are just flat out weird. Here is hoping an audience out there...somewhere in Brogville, will find the DVD/Blu-Ray and enjoy this documentary.  It really is something else.

 

You are probably still reeling from the hilarity Tyson added with his cameo appearance in this years blockbuster comedy, "The Hangover".  Trust me, DO NOT expect comedic asides and/or some form of a joke hour in this documentary.  John Toback, the director and friend of Mike Tyson, uses a variety of methods in order to convey the many stories spanning the youthful persona of The Dynamite Kid to the obviously troubled Iron Mike. 

What you may find strange about the movie would be Toback's manner of conveying the many times Mike would go from a seemingly, subdued state [depending on the story] wherein Tyson is on a couch in his living room or generally around his house [baking pies and knitting...I kid].  However, when Tyson decides to be more open than you would expect on a Sunday evening, things take a slight turn that could turn some viewers off. 

Toback portrays Tyson's frantic thought process in a split screen manner.  Giving you, the viewer, several talking heads and the many voices of Tyson; as we take a delightful romp down Tyson's memory lane.  Tales of violence, sexual promiscuity and of course that whole 'ear biting thing'.  It only gets slightly over the top when the movie takes 10 minutes to center around how Tyson saw women as prey.  The theater I was in had a handful of people writhing around in their seats uncomfortably.  Taking your eyes away from the obviously, discomforted audience only to see Tyson walking on the beach while his gruff voice over is explaining how he loves to 'devour a naked woman'.

"He's A Snake! The Worst Kind Of Human Being" - Mike On Don King

If you can stand the occasional cringe-worthy moments, then you will notice the many layers this documentary presents.  Tyson goes through it all: His hatred for Don King, The death of his father figure/fighting couch Cus D'Amato, the craziness that was the 'Robin Givens marriage', and of course...his fall. 

On a personal note [because when's the next time this is going to come up in conversation], I met Tyson.  I met Mike Tyson when I was 9 years old [maybe 10...my memory aint what it use to be]. He was/is a friend of my mom's boyfriend and came into the video store he owned.  I shook hands and took a picture with him, but since then that picture has been lost.  He gave me the stock advice of "stay in school kid and off of these streets".  At the the time it just seemed like a chance encounter with someone who had only existed on TV.  I was not really star struck, but it was surreal that I could see someone on TV...in person.   It was not until I watched this documentary, that I realized his advice was genuine.  The video store was not in the best of neighborhoods.  I was not wearing fancy clothes.  Tyson is from the streets, he recognizes people who are [like yours truly], but I do not think he realized the kind of person he was until the age of 40.

Watch Tyson,  how ever you can... I give this movie...

The Coveted Dynamite Knockout