Hi, I'm Roger Biebert, and I am here today to review Seth James DeMoor's "DeMoor FAMILY WINS LEADVILLE Heavy Half Marathon". Let's get into it...
There are some things that can never be done justice through words. For instance, if I were to try to describe a sunset over the ocean to a blind man who had never seen one, no matter how poetic or descriptive my words are, there is no way I could ever convey the pure wonder of the experience. Some things cannot be described, they must be felt.
And so it is with SJD's profoundly moving documentary, DeMoor FAMILY WINS LEADVILLE Heavy Half Marathon, a heartfelt tribute to a man's life, looking backwards and forwards, as passed on to his children. A documentary which ultimately transforms into something else.
I will say before I begin in earnest that this is a video best experienced with as little knowledge of it as possible. A blank slate would be essential for absorbing its full impact, of course, the video's title appears to give the key narrative point away. Don't let that stop you from going in with an open mind.
The opening scene, a striking proclamation of self-awareness, sets the tone for the video. Our protagonist, with an air of casual nonchalance, acknowledges the perennial challenge of navigating life's backward obstacles, thus ushering in a narrative that is as reflective as it is forward-moving. This initial admission symbolizes the human condition: the struggle to progress while continually confronting past mistakes and challenges.
The ensuing scenes are a masterclass in emotional resonance and visual storytelling. The palpable excitement of the half marathon, dubbed a "rustbuster," encapsulates the indomitable spirit of perseverance and renewal. In SJD's case, rust doesn't reflect decay and neglect, rather resilience through the storm of life. With the use of montage and masterclass editing, SJD evokes that we are not alone. They may be out of sight, and sometimes out of mind, but we have loved ones running their own race of mutual support. Support systems that bolster individuals through their personal journeys. What starts a document for later generations to view as an insight into Seth's life, turns into a beautiful tribute to his family.
When I look back and reflect on Leadville in the days to come, it is likely that I will temper my unbridled enthusiasm for it. But I think there is merit in writing this review while still reeling from my emotional response to it. This is, above all, a video of feelings, a video that is nearly impossible to not feel moved by in some profound way. Because what SJD ultimately achieves is not what he set out to do, but what he found along the way, both through life circumstances and through the ruminations of his inner egos. This is not only the document of one man, but a testament to love and family that resonates beyond this one family to anyone who has ever loved someone else.
It would have been easy to have drowned the video in false sentiment, but SJD infuses his video with an undeniable humanity, at times angry, humorous, uplifting, and deeply thankful. SJD didn't run Leadville to mourn time away from racing, he ran the race to celebrate it. And through the tears, trials, and tragedies of the DeMoor family, SJD makes a remarkable discovery - this what life is all about.
Each of us wants to leave behind a legacy, to be remembered. Not necessarily for our great accomplishments or important works, but as a good friend, spouse, or parent, an ordinary person who can bring about fond admiration in so many people just for being who they are. It is a comforting thought really, that even the most normal of lives can have a huge impact to others.
Four out of Four Stars
