Personal Best

1982

Eugene, Oregon

Robert Towne

Sports Drama

What’s it all about: crying, whispering, running and jumping (in that order). Mariel Hemingway puts the girl in boycott while training for the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

First Encounter: first viewing (a Lorayyyy fave and reco)

Prostitute Index: nil (more of a questionable coach/athlete vibe)

Death By: quitting

Relics: roach clips, demure dialogue, unisex 70s haircuts, arm wrestling, baggy sweat pants

Heartthrob: Mariel Hemingway

LoFi Magic: pre-Nike Oregon, selective audio dubbing at an athletics event, intense closeups during an arm-wrestling competition, stadium echo, locker room graffiti, slo-mo high jump crotch shot montage 

Makes me want to: go for a run in my short shorts

Candotti take: “Wow. We have the same shoes. Beautiful.” / “The outfits were amazing from the beginning to the end.” / “She cries a lot. That’s the annoying part.” / “Was this in the cinemas or a TV movie?”

Worth a watch/rewatch: Yes, for the first hour. Then skip to the last track meet and get out.

#artindieoldie #adidasoriginals #personalbest #calpoly #husbandotti #filmfest

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