On Any Sunday

On Any Sunday is a chastely shot 1971 film that masterfully combines the thrill of motorcycling with the emotional draw of personal stories, flawlessly capturing the charisma and respect of the sport while attempting to delve into the ethos of the riding community. Director Bruce Brown's beautiful shots and candid storytelling leave a timeless and authentic imprint on the audience, proving that this movie is much more than just a sports documentary, but a testament to the bond and brotherhood of American motorcycle enthusiasts.

The film narratively braids together the tales of some of the era's most emblematic motorcycle stars, punctuated with the presence of Hollywood tough guy and real-life biker Steve McQueen, living his passion for the sport outside of cinematic glamour. The movie’s incredible roster largely includes Mert Lawwill, the Harley-Davidson racer defending his professional title; Malcom Smith, the off-road champion, and naturally, McQueen, the actor outsider, who notoriously loved motorcycles and racing.

A delightful feature of On Any Sunday is its ability to showcase the multifaceted glamour of motorcycle sports, tracking races and events across the United States. The camera chases the racers across drastically different terrains, ranging from smooth road-racing surfaces to rugged and unpredictable off-road courses, presenting the audience with a visceral experience of the gear-shattering, dust-splattering action.

The film does an exceptional job of delineating the diverse range of personalities who pursue the pastime. From the hardy professional athletes in the Grand National Championship, legal tracks to the unruly; impassioned amateurs on the dusty dunes of California, On Any Sunday captures both the tension and camaraderie that involves motorcycle racing in the ’70s.

Director Bruce Brown, who also directed the timeless surf classic, The Endless Summer (1966), pours much of his sports experience into the film, creating an uplifting narrative that is a combination of deep conversations with racers, engaging race sequences, and private lifestyle shots. Brown's documentary style embraces the ground-level reality of the sport, focusing on the narratives of personal battles, sacrifices, and euphoric victories.

Steve McQueen's involvement brings a dose of star power that balances well with the grassroots and grits of other featured riders. McQueen represented a different kind of passion for the sport, that of an accomplished actor who carries his love for motorcycles off the sets and into real life. Through cinematic snippets of his life, McQueen's character comes across as competitive and committed, escalating the drama and relatability of the film in the process.

On Any Sunday is not merely a film about motorcycling. It is an exploration of dedication, passion, and the human desire to constantly push one's own limits. The narratives of Lawwill, Smith, and McQueen exemplify the spirit of a sport where the stakes are as high as the rides.

The cinematography of the film truly stands out, vivid, compelling, and dramatic in capturing the sport's thrill, unforgiving, and exhilarating minutiae, and the camaraderie that underpins the shared enthusiasm. From the sweeping shots of manicured race courses to the up-close, adrenaline-pumping shots of the racers in action, each frame looks deeply into the heart of the subculture associated with the sport.

The sound design of On Any Sunday gives audiences an enjoyable, all-encompassing auditory experience. The heavy sounds of the revving bikes, the roaring engines, and the squeal of tires, mixed with the hushed awe of the crowd only adds to the sensory feast.

On Any Sunday does more than convey the complexity and thrill of motorcycling—it's a close study of the human spirit of competition, courage, and kinship. The movie's portrayal of people, their life around the sport, the camaraderie between them takes you on a remarkable journey that explores gender, class, hobby, and occupation intersected in a shared passion for racing. Although rooted firmly in the 1970s, its themes resonate across the generations.

In conclusion, viewing On Any Sunday is akin to embarking on a road trip, where one not only gets an intimate view of motorcycle culture but delves deeper into the core of the human spirit. Its deft mix of sports action, personal tragedy, camaraderie, high-stakes competition, and the insurmountable passion for motorcycles make it an enduring classic in the world of sports documentaries. It beckons viewers into the world of riders who live and breathe the piston-pumping thrills that come with every race, daring every onlooker to join them, at least for a Sunday.