Chasing Evel: The Robbie Knievel Story

Chasing Evel: The Robbie Knievel Story is a captivating documentary from 2017 which offers an in-depth examination of the life and legacy of Robbie Knievel, an American daredevil and son of the iconic stunt performer Evel Knievel. With the famous Bill Rundle and Alicia Knievel also prominently featured, this movie provides a raw and authentic narrative about the inherent complexities, struggles, triumphs, and failures of the daredevil lifestyle, both personally and professionally.

As the title suggests, much of the movie’s focus is on Robbie's relentless pursuit to follow in the footsteps of his iconic father, trailing his notorious legacy, hence 'Chasing Evel.' Director Jesse James Miller beautifully questions and picks apart the demanding expectations of living up to a famous name and coping with the weight of one's own aspirations and ambitions.

The film features gripping interviews from Robbie himself, his family, friends, and close associates, including longtime manager Bill Rundle and daughter Alicia Knievel. These intimate conversations shed light on various aspects of Robbie's personal life, his tumultuous relationship with his father, and the implications of his daredevil career. The narrative is interwoven with astounding archival footage of his incredible daring motorcycle stunts and jumps, thus painting a vivid picture of his life on the edge.

The narrative is slow-burning, revealing the character and persona of Robbie, showing him as a man determined to establish his own identity and reputation, whilst wrestling with the grandiose legacy of his father. It doesn’t shy away from showing us the traumas, tragedies, and consequences that the daredevil lifestyle inevitably brings with it. Furthermore, the movie also delves into the exploration of the psychology of a daredevil, the adrenaline rush that underpins the ‘death-defying stunt’ culture, and its effects on their personal and social lives.

One of the film’s strengths lies in its careful delineation of Robbie's persona and his struggle with personal demons. His vulnerabilities, bouts with alcoholism, strained relationships, personal losses, and the constant urge to present himself as the 'last of the gladiators,' are sketched out with sincerity. This strikes a balance between Robbie’s professional persona and his personal trials.

The documentary also discusses the wrenching dynamics between Robbie and his father, Evel. The portrayal of their fractious relationship adds multiple dimensions to the narrative. It depicts how Evel's larger-than-life presence had a significant impact on Robbie's formative years and subsequent career. Simultaneously, it reveals how Robbie had to struggle out of his father's shadow and establish his own identity not merely as Evel's son, but as Robbie Knievel, a courageous daredevil in his own right.

Moreover, Robbie's relationship with his daughter Alicia is explored, revealing another layer to Robbie’s human side. Alicia's memories and perspectives offer a heartfelt and emotional view of her father, contributing a poignant touch to the complicated narrative.

Bill Rundle’s role in Robbie’s life and career is powerfully portrayed. As Robbie’s long-time friend and manager, Bill Rundle's close observations and anecdotes bring out the struggles, conflicts, and accomplishments that came with overseeing the daredevil feats of Robbie Knievel.

Chasing Evel: The Robbie Knievel Story is as thrilling as it is moving, and it is as much about the man as it is about the jumps. Its gripping storytelling leaves the audience at the edge of their seats just as Robbie’s death-defying stunts would, yet it makes room for moments of introspection and sobering narratives about the cost of these stunts that go beyond just physical injury.

The movie’s primary achievement lies in its brutally honest narrative, which captures both the highs and lows of a daredevil's life and the extreme costs and rewards that come with it. Jesse James Miller has done an excellent job of bringing Robbie’s journey to life on the silver screen, giving audiences a deeply engaging and compelling look at the risks, emotions, and consequences faced by such fearless entertainers.

In conclusion, Chasing Evel: The Robbie Knievel Story is an essential watch for anyone who finds intrigue and inspiration in accounts of individuals who lead lives on the edge. Whether it's the genuine thrill of witnessing a daredevil’s breathtaking jump echoed in Robbie’s story or the profound exploration of the personal dimensions of his life, this film offers a wholesome journey into Knievel's world.