Ten Random Thoughts on Iron Claw

 

I saw The Iron Claw earlier this week and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I give it a solid B, the story was engaging and riveting. I thought Zac Efron did a wonderful job in the lead role as Kevin Von Erich. This easily falls into the top 2 of pro wrestling themed movies. I truly believe the film and the cast could be nominated for Golden Globe and Academy Awards. Having said all that, here are ten random thoughts I had watching the film, and thinking about it afterwards.

10. Ric Flair was baddd

Getting this one out the way, the portrayal of Ric Flair in the film was badddddd. In all fairness to the actor who portrayed Flair, Aaron Dean Eisenberg, Ric Flair is a persona that is hard to emulate. Aaron's portrayal was over the top trying to match his mannerisms but in a good way. This has been a often criticized part of the film, so much that folks have come to Aaron's defense in his portrayal. He did his best, but portraying a legend like Flair unfortunately it wasn't good enough.

9. Fritz Von Erich

Fritz Von Erich the patriarch of the family was one tough son of a bitch. His portrayal honestly comes off that he was the long lost cousin of Joe Jackson. I chalk up their behavior to just how men of their generation came up, as life was a lot harder back then. All that aside, Fritz was about business and business only it seemed 99% of the time. He did not have time for his son's to be bsing around, they had a job to do and he needed it done. I can see how his sons resented him.

8. The Timeline

I get it, this film was lower budget and to keep costs down and the story tight as possible, much of he Von Erich's story had to be crammed into a particular frame of time. The filmmakers also save themselves with the famous tagline Inspired By A True Story, that line right there aid's them in taking certain creative liberties in telling the story. However, at times it seemed too much occurred in an incredibly limited window. Which can be confusing, if you're not overly familiar with the story, or trying to keep up with what really occurred at what point. Side bar I also get a tad annoyed when it's clear time has passed in the film, but audiences are never made aware of exactly what year it is. 

7. Could Have Been A Miniseries 

                                     

As much as I enjoyed the film, I can't help but think of how much was left out due to time constraints. And knowing the history of the family, I honestly think the film could have been a 2 part four hour miniseries, if there was a suitor. It could have helped with some of the rough editing made in the film and timeline jumps out of nowhere.

Don't get me wrong I enjoyed the film as is, and understand the decisions made in what parts of the story to tell. I just think there was potential for more.

6. The Von Erich's Legacy Today 

During the end credits there is a brief epilogue of the Von Erich's history in the world of wrestling and a where Kevin is in now. There was no mention of the next generation of Von Erich's continuing the family legacy.  Kevin's son's Ross and Marshall continuing the Von Erich name in wrestling, previously wrestling for MLW and recently appearing on AEW with their dad. 

Kerry's daughter Lacey wrestled in TNA for a few years during the mid 2000's and was a pretty solid wrestler. From my perspective it would have been nice and important to show that the name continues on. 

5. MJF Was A Missed Opportunity 

I'm sure from director's Sean Durkin perspective he was trying to make a seamless film that told the story but didn't get bogged down with too much. However, MJF's literal blink and you will miss it scene is truly a disservice to all involved. For audiences of the film who may not know the nitty gritty of the Von Erich's story, his scene in the film is very jarring. There's no explanation, no conclusion it's just there. Knowing the backstory I understand what the scene was representing, but it was just very confusing.

I would guess based on the character he's playing of the Von Erichs fictional cousin Lance Von Erich, MJF has a scene or two that were deleted. He probably had a great opportunity to show off his acting chops, which may help him down the road should he choose to pursue that path full time. From a promotion standpoint, AEW and I'm sure their partners at Warner Bros. would have promoted the film a tad bit more. Had MJF been in the film a few minutes longer. 

4. Chavo Guerrero Deserves So Much Praise

Chavo Guerrero was a very talented, reliable and charismatic wrestler during his time in the ring. It seems he may have made his biggest mark on professional wrestling during his time outside the ring, as a in-ring consultant on Hollywood productions. He has a cameo in the film as The Sheik, but he was responsible for choregraphing all of the matches in the film. He was successful in having the moves and matches look so realistic.

Chavo has also worked on Young Rock and Glow, as well as a few other productions that call for assistance during a pro wrestling scene. He has found his niche and is very good at it, so let's give him all the flowers.

3. Chris Von Erich

This is probably the biggest item the filmmakers have caught flack for, and deservingly so. Chris Von Erich was omitted from the film, as Director Sean Durkin noted the film couldn't handle another tragedy and that it was repetitive. I personally think that's a crock, he was a member of the family and his death along with his brothers were a part of the curse. Which might I add, was an included part in the plot. Without giving away spoilers, his omission is mostly felt during a emotional scene near the end of the film that can come off as a slap in the face to him.

2. Deserves Awards

With awards season upon us, as I mentioned before the film no doubt deserves some awards for the story it told. It has already been nominated and won a few awards, but deserves greater accolades. I doubt it would get a nod for best picture or best director, but cinematography, best actor or supporting actor definitely deserves some nods.

1. Can Open The Door For Other Films

Shameless plug, I wrote a blog before the films release about other wrestling figures who could be great topics for a feature film. I wrote another blog before that about promotions that would make for a good TV series, WCCW which the Von Erich family owned being one of them.

I truly believe based on the acclaim the film has received so far, and hopefully it's eventually box office return against it's budget. That will make the world of Hollywood and other's the don't know that pro wrestling is a important part of pop culture, see that there are so many important stories that need to be told from the world of wrestling.

I'm looking forward to more stories whether they be documentaries or feature films to be told.