Mike Tyson's Film Puts His Life Into Perspective
Former Heavyweight Champ Opens His Heart at Last
Apr 12, 2009
When Mike Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion of all time at 20 he was not legally old enough to enter a licensed bar to celebrate.
Ridiculous as it sounds, that is one of the many incongruous examples of what he has had to deal with in his 42 years on this planet.
With the recent release of a 90-minute documentary of his turbulent life, simply named: ‘Tyson’, wholly narrated by Iron Mike himself, at least the viewer gets a semblance of what he’s been through in a more balanced way.
Tyson's Early Life Was Chaotic
The thug lifestyle is well documented including serving three years for rape, numerous bar brawls, car wrecks, acrimonious break ups, squandering $300 million prize money and the notorious ear-biting incident, but like all bad boys, Tyson has some redeeming qualities too.
That’s why when it was first aired at the Cannes Film Festival last year, the initially sceptical audience spontaneously gave a 10-minute standing ovation with Tyson in attendance.
In typical Tyson fashion though, he turned his back on the audience, seemingly overcome with emotion. He claimed after that he was unsure of their sincerity and thought they were mocking him, as many white people had done over the years.
Cus D'Amato Adopted Tyson
Tyson was once known in his Brooklyn ‘hood as ‘Fairy Boy’ because he kept pigeons, had a gentle nature and a high-pitched voice. But soon after the worst sort of street culture enveloped him and a career in crime beckoned. He inevitably ended up in a correctional institution, discovered boxing and was soon adopted by boxing trainer Cus D’Amato – and the rest is history.
‘Tyson’ is a fascinating insight into the chaotic mind of the former Baddest Man on the Planet.
He talks candidly of the outrages that created headlines for two decades worldwide and puts into perspective unsavoury aspects of his life that most have only heard one side’s story of.
Tyson Still Denies He's a Rapist
For example, he truly does not believe he should have been imprisoned for the alleged rape of beauty contestant Desiree Washington – and there are many who agree – but admits there are other incidents that he got away with which deserved jail time for.
Tyson, justifiably, feels the media has given him an unfair deal with no credit for positive aspects of his persona. D’Amato used to say: “Any boy who loves pigeons cannot be all bad.”
Tyson Can Quote Nietzsche
Tyson is relatively well read and can even quote Oscar Wilde, Dostoevsky, Nietzsche, Tolstoy and Machiavelli which he does throughout the narration.
Tyson is also a boxing historian and arguably the most knowledgeable person in this field, bar none.
Stories abound of star-struck fighters of yesteryear being picked out in a crowd and congratulated by Tyson for their achievements in the ring, albeit mediocre compared to his triumphs. The recipient has been left ecstatic yet perplexed by the unexpected accolade.
The film’s director James Toback has done a worthy job with his latest project. ‘Tyson’ may become a classic DVD – and not just for sports lovers either.
