Charley Boorman: Race To Dakar
Film
| Studio | EMI |
| Score |  |
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result. The Race To Dakar, a seven-episode journey by amateur motorcyclist, actor and star of Long Way Round, Charley Boorman, is an epic DVD/TV series that makes insanity look a little fun. This documentary of Boorman training (breaking a collarbone in the bargain) and eventually attempting the most dangerous rally from Lisbon to Dakar, through the Saharan desert, is a thrill ride filled with the most exhaustive, and dangerous footage one can fit into fifteen consecutive days.
Boorman, our reluctant hero, allows filming during some of the most depressing and candid times, in an attempt to bring as much honesty about the Dakar to the forefront. He does all of this with an uncanny ability to say the “F” word more times in one sentence than Eddie Murphy; that alone is a delight to watch.
The uncensored nature of Race To Dakar extends to his fellow teammates Matt Hall and Simon Pavey, each with their own travails. Without revealing anything that hasn’t already been disclosed in interviews, Hall undergoes an absolute barrage of exhaustion and residual battering by the system such as the remote locations the Dakar Rally will afford. Pavey, if you consider him lucky, traveled the entire fifteen day journey and ended up being one of a handful who actually completed the race. An absolute journeyman, Pavey’s unwavering consistency towards the finish line is a testament to the strength of mental persistence. Boorman, went out on the fifth day with two broken hands, and yet gallantly biked for hours to get to the closest medical checkpoint. Even though he was sequestered to the sidelines, Boorman is quick to change roles and becomes an ardent supporter and mother hen to his teammates still in the race. With all the same charm, excitement and endurance of Long Way Round, Boorman’s love of motorcycles will make even a non-sports fanatic interested in the ebbs and flows of this journey.
Of course, the insanity gene of this fifteen day journey does not stop among the masculine hemisphere, as I must admit my newest superhero has become female racer Patsy Quick. Although I still can’t fathom her desire to do so, the 2006 Dakar Rally was Quick’s fourth attempt and watching this woman smile after every arduous day amidst the sand dunes was inspiring. You will have to watch the series in order to see whether she failed yet again, or became the first British woman to complete the race.
Another standout, who didn’t sign up for the Rally, but rather the support team, was producer Russ Malkin who seemed to be the glue that held the team together, much as he did in Long Way Round. Malkin is an amazing coordinator, and among his team’s troubles and his own with the BMW support car, he seemed disturbingly calm and efficient considering all the chaos around him.
Even if you are not interested in the Dakar Rally, or motorcycles, you will still be gripped by this impressive journey and all the people involved in it. The DVD is packed with extras such as outtakes, a crash reel, post-trip interview with Boorman, and my personal favourite, “the epic montage.” Sign up for this event, as I think the couch will be the safest place to watch it from.
Boorman, our reluctant hero, allows filming during some of the most depressing and candid times, in an attempt to bring as much honesty about the Dakar to the forefront. He does all of this with an uncanny ability to say the “F” word more times in one sentence than Eddie Murphy; that alone is a delight to watch.
The uncensored nature of Race To Dakar extends to his fellow teammates Matt Hall and Simon Pavey, each with their own travails. Without revealing anything that hasn’t already been disclosed in interviews, Hall undergoes an absolute barrage of exhaustion and residual battering by the system such as the remote locations the Dakar Rally will afford. Pavey, if you consider him lucky, traveled the entire fifteen day journey and ended up being one of a handful who actually completed the race. An absolute journeyman, Pavey’s unwavering consistency towards the finish line is a testament to the strength of mental persistence. Boorman, went out on the fifth day with two broken hands, and yet gallantly biked for hours to get to the closest medical checkpoint. Even though he was sequestered to the sidelines, Boorman is quick to change roles and becomes an ardent supporter and mother hen to his teammates still in the race. With all the same charm, excitement and endurance of Long Way Round, Boorman’s love of motorcycles will make even a non-sports fanatic interested in the ebbs and flows of this journey.
Of course, the insanity gene of this fifteen day journey does not stop among the masculine hemisphere, as I must admit my newest superhero has become female racer Patsy Quick. Although I still can’t fathom her desire to do so, the 2006 Dakar Rally was Quick’s fourth attempt and watching this woman smile after every arduous day amidst the sand dunes was inspiring. You will have to watch the series in order to see whether she failed yet again, or became the first British woman to complete the race.
Another standout, who didn’t sign up for the Rally, but rather the support team, was producer Russ Malkin who seemed to be the glue that held the team together, much as he did in Long Way Round. Malkin is an amazing coordinator, and among his team’s troubles and his own with the BMW support car, he seemed disturbingly calm and efficient considering all the chaos around him.
Even if you are not interested in the Dakar Rally, or motorcycles, you will still be gripped by this impressive journey and all the people involved in it. The DVD is packed with extras such as outtakes, a crash reel, post-trip interview with Boorman, and my personal favourite, “the epic montage.” Sign up for this event, as I think the couch will be the safest place to watch it from.
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