Being Evel

Being Evel is a gripping 2015 documentary that delves into the life of the notorious and audacious legendary stunt performer, Robert "Evel" Knievel. This film stars Ken Berg, Seth Enslow, and Ray Gunn and is helmed under the direction of Academy Award winning filmmaker Daniel Junge.

The movie takes a retrospective journey to explore the reckless, wild, and larger-than-life persona of Evel Knievel, a well-renowned daredevil, who captured America's attention and admiration with his nerve-racking motorcycle jumps. Weaving together real-life interviews, archival footage, and personal anecdotes from Knievel's friends and family, Being Evel serves not only as a testament to Knievel's enduring influence, but also provides an up-close examination of his rough-and-tumble life, both on and off the ramp.

Ken Berg, Seth Enslow, and Ray Gunn, with their gritty performances, bring to the screen not only Knievel's fearless showmanship but also unveil the complex, often contradictory character that lay beneath his public image. It explores the innumerable contrasts of Knievel's life, presenting him both as an indefensible misfit, whose antics bordered on criminal, and a charismatic virtuoso, fearlessly defying the laws of physics with every jump.

Seth Enslow, an acclaimed freestyle motocross rider, makes an invaluable contribution to the film, lending an insider's perspective to the daredevil stunts that propelled Knievel to stardom. Enslow's personal experiences and anecdotes supplement the deeper exposition into the inherent risks, life-altering injuries, and adrenaline-driven rush associated with their death-defying profession.

On-screen personality Ken Berg, with his fresh insights and unique perspective, vividly depicts the enduring impact of Knievel's daring feats on popular culture, helping viewers to understand why Knievel was, and continues to be, an icon for many. Berg's smooth narration, rife with impactful storytelling, creates a fascinating exploration into the life of a man who consistently pushed the limits between courage and stupidity, homage and commercialism, resilience and recklessness.

Ray Gunn, another influential figure in the spoken narrative, offers the audience an engaging dialogue about the man behind the legend. Providing an interesting dynamic, Gunn speaks to the side of Knievel that many might not know- providing a look into his personal failings, scandals, and controversy that followed him off the ramps and tracks. It's through Gunn’s portrayal that the audience is given a more in-depth look into who Knievel actually was.

Evel Knievel's undeniable influence in the world of extreme sports and his groundbreaking stunts are undisputed, but his personal life was often marred by controversy, and this documentary does not shy away from that. It unabashedly presents the good, the bad, and the ugly, providing ample screen time to the less flattering aspects of his character, including his tumultuous relationships, run-ins with the law, and numerous scandals. Daniel Junge's direction ensures the film swings back and forth between Knievel's soaring highs and crashing lows, presenting a holistic view of the man who lived his life on his own terms, eyebrow-raising flaws, and all.

This feature-length documentary, filled with countless awe-inspiring career highlights and intimate personal moments, punctuated by Knievel’s own reflections, is nothing less than a thrilling and evocative rollercoaster ride. Being Evel is as much about an unruly, provocative individual as it is about America's eternal fascination with outrageous characters who dare to defy rules and make their mark in history.

With dynamic storytelling, honest interviews, and an intense exploration of the daredevil's life, Being Evel presents a thrilling homage to one of the most daring and audacious stunt performers of all time. It's a must-watch for all adrenaline junkies, motorcycle enthusiasts, sports history buffs, or anyone interested in a deep dive into a truly fascinating real-life character.