Certain cultural
figures never truly leave the limelight, and it feels as though there is
renewed interest in their celebrity every few years through various documentary
and film projects. These icons most commonly include John Lennon, Bruce Lee and
Muhammad Ali. The latter of these three has been given another documentary
feature to praise his accomplishments, though I Am Ali does little to add to
the cultural significance of the man. Aside from the rehashing of familiar
material, the main draw of I Am Ali is commentary from those closest to him and
private recordings of personal conversations with family members. For those who
have no need to hear one of the greatest boxers talking in a baby voice for his
children, any of the other documentaries will likely suffice.
Though Ali is
still alive and well at the age of 72, this film begins to feel like it is in
memoriam of the famed celebrity. Close friends and admirers alike come out of
the woodwork for interviews about the greatness of Ali, with segments of the
film specified for those that knew him best during his height of fame. There
are also sections of the film dedicated to his family members and former wife,
giving a more intimate portrayal of the charismatic boxer. Much of this is
possible because of Ali’s obsessive tendency to record his phone conversations
and interactions with his children. There was also often a camera around,
filming Ali in his home life and boxing career alike.
The other reason
a documentary like this is possible has much to do with the success of Ali’s
celebrity in the first place. While most boxers were not talkative, Ali burst
into the boxing scene with a large personality and an eagerness to talk
directly to the press. He also became socially and politically active, which
cost him the best days of his boxing career when Ali refused to fight in the
Vietnam War. Then there was his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, all
of which is dealt with briefly between recordings of Ali’s personal relationships.
The public persona is probably best known, and likely why it takes up the
smallest portion of the film’s running-time.
The Blu-ray
release comes with a digital copy of the film, also in high definition. The
special features on the BD include additional segments of the documentary, with
more interviews from Ali’s children, George Forman, Ken Norton, Karl Malone,
Tom Jones and Kris Kristofferson.
Entertainment Value:
6/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 6.5/10
Historical
Significance: 5/10
Special Features: 6/10
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