Hands on a Hard Body (1998)
-
84% of critics liked it
(19 reviews) -
88% of users liked it
(951 ratings)
This humorous documentary captures contestants in a 1995 competition held annually in a Longview, Texas, car dealership parking lot. A brand new Nissan pickup truck is the prize won by the person who can keep a gloved hand held against the truck for the longest period of time (with a 15-minute break… More This humorous documentary captures contestants in a 1995 competition held annually in a Longview, Texas, car dealership parking lot. A brand new Nissan pickup truck is the prize won by the person who can keep a gloved hand held against the truck for the longest period of time (with a 15-minute break every six hours and a five-minute break every hour). Six contestants drop out during the first 24 hours -- with only two contestants still standing by the 70th hour. With an event not far from the eccentric edge found in Errol Morris' documentary portraits of oddball Americana, director S.R. Bindler shot this film in Hi8 video, transferred to 16mm. Shown at the 1997 Santa Barbara and AFI/Los Angeles film festivals. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi
- Directed By
- S.R. Bindler
- Genres
- Documentary, Special Interest
PG,
- In Theaters
- Jul 10, 1998 Wide
- Studio
- Legacy Releasing Corporation
Critic Reviews
-
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
On the one hand, the Hands on a Hard Body contest seems a horrible exploitation of needy people as a publicity stunt to promote a car dealership; on the other, the film reveals an endearing piece of Americana.
-
Dennis Lim, Village Voice
Scrappy, likable, and immensely absorbing.
-
Anita Gates, New York Times
These may not be people whom moviegoers think they want to spend time with, but this is accomplished documentary making, finding universal lessons in determination, struggle, planning, persistence and the relationship of mind and body.
-
Stanley Kauffmann, The New Republic
Bindler's attitude is absolutely right. He doesn't satirize: he observes, and leaves the satirical view as an option for us.
-
Peter Stack, San Francisco Chronicle
It's engaging as a non-drama of people doing nothing, but suffering a lot.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Also available on
Other Retailers
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Subscription Services
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
