Review: Pedal (2001)
Pedal is a personal favourite of mine. A grainy, DV look at the subculture of New York City’s bike messengers, it’s an absorbing mix of rather eccentric characters and their backstories, seredipitous moments of participatory filmmaking and hair-raising action sequences amidst city traffic.
The film is a neat package, humbly encapsulating many of the elements that draw me to the documentary form. It’s one of those docos you suspect will immerse you in another reality you know little about, and Peter Sutherland’s film delivers. You always knew there was more to bike couriers than just riding around delivering corporate mail… right?
Adding to its low-budget appeal, there is a general sense of theatricality about the film, maintained by forgoing narration and allowing the cyclists themselves to guide us through their world of tribulations and fixed-gear, mid-city recklessness. Of course, Pedal is far from being another vapid sports documentary and is likely to appeal to any documentary enthusiasts, cyclist or not. Highly recommended viewing.
Titicut Rating: 4 / 5
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