Beyond the Mat is a 1999 professional wrestling documentary, directed by Barry W. Blaustein. The movie focuses on the lives of professional wrestlers outside of the ring, especially Mick Foley, Terry Funk, and Jake Roberts. The film heavily focuses on the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), often criticizing it and its chairman Vince McMahon. It also follows Extreme Championship Wrestling, it's rise in popularity, and many other independent wrestlers and organisations.
Beyond the Mat wants to blend thrills and pathos, getting at the many sides of what is, as Mr. Blau stein describes it, a carny act. The problem is that he doesn't articulate any of his own thoughts beyond a few slight asides.
– Elvis Mitchell,
New York Times,
1 Jan 2000
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Blaustein's documentary about championship wrestling is as voyeuristic, artificial and perversely compelling as the sport itself.
– Jan Stuart,
Newsday,
1 Jan 2000
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Entertaining and twisted.
– Liam Lacey,
Globe and Mail,
19 Mar 2002
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A gently and genuinely observed film whose subject is a garish, artificial display of mayhem.
– Robert Koehler,
Variety,
23 Mar 2007
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Documentaries are almost always more interesting if the filmmakers fess up about their relationship to the subject, as unabashed pro-wrestling fan Barry Blaustein does in this naively made, compelling homage to the sport.