Andrew Thomas Hunt’s last film, Spare Parts, was a splatter-filled punk-rock ode to apocalyptic science fiction. His latest project (and third feature), The Fight Machine, couldn’t be more different. Set in the world of underground boxing, the story charts the intertwined careers of two fighters from very different walks of life.
Paul Harris (Greg Hovanessian) is the heir to a dynasty of wealth, reaping in the vineyard business. His life is affluent, luxurious, and easy. The lack of variety however, causes Paul to seek out drastic ways to generate a spark in his otherwise dull existence. After a brawl, or technically pummelling, in a bar, Paul embarks on training to learn how to handle himself. This journey of discovery pushes him deep within the bowels of the fight ring circuit. With each new battle scar Paul starts to come alive and before long he’s hooked on the thrill of fighting.
Meanwhile, Rob Tully (Dempsey Bryk) has been raised in a family of boxers. His uncle is a regular on the circuit; his father his trainer. Born with boxing in his blood, Rob has all the talent to make it big, but none of the fighting spirit or inclination. Rob is much more content to write, but boxing is the family business and so is obligated to continue in the profession.
Although initially appearing to be polar opposites, as The Fight Machine progresses, it becomes apparent that the two main characters have much in common. Each is burdened by the idea of obligation. Whereas Rob is expected to be the one in the family to use boxing to better himself, expectations are also laid on Paul. In his case, it is to climb the corporate ladder; to spend his days drinking wine and negotiating deals. The two have very different coping strategies. Rob’s method is to stuff it down, Paul’s to burn it to the ground. The Fight Machine weaves the stories of both men together, constantly presenting two sides of the same coin.
For a film with Fight Machine in its title, there is little focus on the fights themselves. The biggest weight is given to the final duel between Paul and Rob (and it’s a very bloody affair), but all before that, they barely register. This is because Hunt’s film is more interested in delving into the psyche of a boxer, exploring the root cause of their drive that set into the ring. A drama with occasional action sequences, The Fight Machine pulls its punches somewhat. The story is content to rest in the middle of the road and in doing so loses some of its vigour. What could have a seething and searing analysis of the weight of responsibility, told through bare knuckle punches, becomes a more perfunctory and slightly bland exploration. This is a film that still has enough merit to make it a worthwhile viewing prospect, it’s just that The Fight Machine isn’t as strong as it could be.
The Fight Machine
Summary
A solid drama that doesn’t push as hard as it could, though the elements that remain make for an entertaining and insightful look into the conflicted views of two headstrong young men.
The Fight Machine was reviewed at Fantasia International Film Festival.
