HBO Documentary On Max Is The Perfect True Story Of Legendary Performer

Jason Hehir directed the Andre the Giant documentary that gives viewers an essential look at one of the most compelling figures ever to enter the squared circle. Andre began learning to be a professional wrestler in 1964 at age 18 in France when he already was much larger than most men. The documentary shows the teenager throwing around his practice partners while honing his skills as a professional wrestler.

Andre the Giant gradually developed a strong following and became an in-demand global phenom who wrestled in sporting and entertainment venues around the world. The Andre the Giant documentary discusses his early years as a professional wrestler and some of the more dangerous contests in which he competed. His giant size and growing stature in the professional wrestling ranks made him a fan-favorite in Japan, the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.

Hehir deftly illustrates Andre the Giant’s transformation from a barnstorming young wrestler into one of the world’s most recognized sporting figures. Hehir also only insists on dealing with first-hand accounts about the iconic pro wrestler from those who witnessed them in the Andre the Giant documentary. Many famous professional wrestlers share anecdotes and compelling stories about the man who might be the world’s most famous wrestler.

Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and Vince McMahon are a few of the many influential characters in professional wrestling who share their true stories about their experiences in the Andre the Giant documentary. Hogan for years was Andre’s gopher who would take care of whatever the “boss” needed while they were traveling together on the road. McMahon visibly becomes very emotional and appears to be on the verge of crying while discussing his working relationship with the iconic wrestler.

Andre the Giant transcended professional wrestling and the documentary highlights how he became a globally known pop culture icon. Yet he only ever wanted to be a farmer and eventually bought a small ranch in North Carolina to get away from professional wrestling when he could to return to his farming roots. He grew up on a small farm in France and never planned to do more than grow crops and tend to livestock.

GFR SCORE

Named Andre Rene Roussimoff upon his birth in 1946, he stopped attending school as a young teen after deciding he knew enough to be a successful farm hand. He also has something that most others don’t – gigantism. The condition is very real and causes unusual growth due – and extreme pain. When he learns of what is causing his unusual growth and resulting pain, Andre the Giant has to choose between a potentially life-saving procedure or continuing his career, a decision that’s highlighted in the documentary.

Three great films on professional wrestling really show what it’s all about. One is The Wrestler starring Mickey Rourke as a fictional pro wrestler nearing the end of his career. Another is The Iron Claw about the Von Erich family of pro wrestlers in Texas. The third is HBO’s Andre the Giant documentary that you can stream on Max.