The Devil at Your Heels

The Devil at Your Heels is a 1981 Canadian documentary film that tracks the aspirations and struggles of Ken Carter, a daring stuntman with an audacious dream: to jump a mile over the St. Lawrence Seaway in a rocket-propelled car. Directed by Robert Fortier and predominantly starring Ken Carter himself, with notable appearances by actor Gordon Pinsent, who provides narration, and Jim Deist, an expert in safety equipment for daredevils.

The documentary sets the stage by introducing Ken Carter, a daredevil who has made a name for himself by jumping cars, akin to his idol, famed American stunt performer Evel Knievel. However, Carter dreams bigger than his predecessors; he aspires to complete a jump that no one has ever attempted before, which would establish him as one of the greatest stuntmen of all time. At the heart of this daring project is the construction and launch of a custom-built rocket car, which Carter plans to fly across the St. Lawrence Seaway from Morrisburg, Ontario, Canada to Ogden Island in New York, USA.

Throughout the film, audiences are shown the intricate process behind the conception and realization of Carter's jump. From the meticulous planning to the engineering challenges, the viewer is offered an in-depth look into what it takes to mount such a hazardous endeavor. Funding emerges as a significant obstacle, as the stunt requires a substantial financial investment. Carter's relentless pursuit of sponsors and financial backers highlights his undying commitment and larger-than-life ambition, as well as the risks that come with such a career.

The stakes are incredibly high as Carter and his team face numerous setbacks, including technical difficulties, scheduling conflicts, and safety concerns. The film captures the perseverance and resilience required to push the boundaries of human courage and scientific possibility. Of special interest is the involvement of Jim Deist, a key figure in the stunt community, who is tasked with ensuring the safety of Carter and designing the specialized equipment needed for the stunt.

The documentary does more than just showcase the spectacle of the proposed jump; it delves into the psyche of Ken Carter himself. Viewers get to see Carter not just as a performer seeking the limelight, but also as a complex individual driven by a mixture of professional ambition, personal dreams, and perhaps a relentless pursuit of immortality through a death-defying leap. Interviews with Carter, his peers, and the residents of the small towns involved provide a well-rounded perspective on the impact of such an endeavor on both the man and the community.

Cinematographically, The Devil at Your Heels captures the era of the late '70s and early '80s, a time when stunt shows were a popular form of entertainment. The film utilizes both the expansive outdoor settings of the proposed jump and the more intimate moments behind the scenes to create a compelling narrative. The personal account is made even more engaging by Gordon Pinsent, whose narration imbues the film with a sense of grandeur and critical perspective.

One remarkable aspect of The Devil at Your Heels is how it transcends the boundaries of a typical sports documentary. It becomes an exploration of human limits, the mechanics of chasing a seemingly impossible dream, and the impact of such a quest on one's life. The audience is presented with a raw and at times emotional voyage into the heart of what it truly means to chase dreams against all odds.

The film can be seen as a testament to the relentless human spirit and an exploration of the fine line between genius and folly. Through Carter's story, viewers witness the myriad dynamics of skepticism, support, belief, and the sheer force of will needed to attempt breaking a record. The documentary delves into themes of obsession and the pursuit of glory, capturing the fragility of life when confronted by the pursuit of a near-mythical feat.

In bringing to light Ken Carter's story, The Devil at Your Heels serves as a compelling and thought-provoking document of a time when larger-than-life characters captured the public's imagination. Despite being firmly rooted in its time period, the documentary has a timeless quality due to its focus on the universal human themes of aspiration and the struggle for achievement.

In conclusion, The Devil at Your Heels is a striking and powerful work that showcases the lengths to which humans will go to achieve the extraordinary. It is a captivating time capsule of an era and a profound exploration of the human condition, encapsulating the fascination, drama, and sheer audacity involved in Carter's unprecedented stunt attempt – a jump that would garner him international recognition in the pantheon of legendary daredevils.