It's A Total Knockout

Comments (0) By Brooke Nottingham Thursday, Nov 25 2010

More About

Let's talk about Fight Club. In his film Boxing Gym, director Frederick Wiseman got into the ring with a Texas boxing gym. Basically, he planted his tripod in Lord's Gym in Austin and waited. Wiseman allowed his camera to soak in the gym's rhythm, without giving direction or asking too many questions. The result is a raw, unencumbered and character-driven documentary about the training of boxing professionals, amateurs and all members in the middle. Boxing trainees confess their aspirations and anxieties between sequences of beautifully gritty gym life. And owner and manager Richard Lord works to maintain a warm family atmosphere amid the controlled violence and occasional bloodshed. The establishment's charm is in its dark, pummeled and lumpy punching bags (and the same description pretty much goes for the members.) Texas Theatre presents the film 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Special guests Richard Lord and boxing champion Jesus "The Matador" Chaves will present the film and be available for a Q&A session at the Saturday screening. Film admission is $8. Texas Theatre is located at 231 W. Jefferson Blvd. in Oak Cliff. Visit thetexastheatre.com.
Sat., Nov. 27, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 28, 7:30 p.m., 2010