Salute Review

Director: Matt Norman

Cast: Peter Norman, Tommie Smith and John Carlos

Running time: 120 minutes

Certificate: PG

Synopsis: The picture from the winner’s podium at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics became one of the 20^th Century’s most powerful images. Although the two men who performed the Black Power salute are often regarded as social heroes, this is the story of Peter Norman, the forgotten white man in the left of the picture.

Despite being one of the greatest races of all time, in which Tommie Smith broke a world record and Peter Norman set an Australian record, it’s the events that followed the men’s 200m that will forever be remembered. The image of African-American athletes John Carlos and Smith delivering the ‘Black Power’ salute at a time of severe social crisis and racial inequality was, for many, the defining moment of the ’68 Olympics.

Although much has been reported about the effect the event had on the lives of Smith and Carlos, few have paid attention to the astonishing story of Australian Peter Norman, who, against all odds won silver in Mexico City and also took a stand against the atrocities happening in the United States.

1968 was a year of turmoil across the world, with the French student riots, pre-Olympic riots in Mexico, and the assassination of political activist Martin Luther King Jr. SALUTE effectively introduces the background to the famous moment at the Olympics, utilising archive footage and graphic images to emphasise the political and social unrest that existed at the time. Many films have represented the social upheaval, but few focus on a specific event, a single moment in time, as is the case here.

Directed by Peter Norman’s nephew, SALUTE develops each individual involved through insightful one-on-one interviews and emotionally arresting imagery. As a result, it’s easy to connect with Norman and his American colleagues Smith and Carlos. Also notable are the exclusive shots of the trio together, humorous anecdotes, and an affecting sense of the shared personal turmoil suffered following the incident.

Peter Norman in particular is highlighted as a deserving Olympic legend, despite the fact his achievements have been overlooked. The director describes him as ‘my best friend,’ something clearly emphasised throughout the film’s construction. Take, for instance, the perfect accompanying soundtrack composed by David Hirschfelder, effectively blending melancholy and joy in celebration of Norman’s life.

When the image of Carlos, Smith and Norman is introduced through archival video footage, it’s truly a wonderful piece of filmmaking, built up to be as tense, emotional, and shocking as it ever the event was.

SALUTE offers a good insight into one of the greatest stories in Olympic history, following Norman’s rapid rise to the top and his even more rapid fall from grace. Fans of sports history and social activists alike can come together to learn the story of one of the unsung heroes of the 20^th century – a man who contributed to the breakdown in racial division across the world.

 SALUTE arrives in UK cinemas 13th July