If you’re a fan of A Sunday In Hell, the seminal 1977 documentary about great Paris-Roubaix race, or Stars and Watercarriers (1973), then you’ll appreciate this in-depth study of Ole Ritter’s attempt on the world hour record, titled The Impossible Hour.
‘The Hour’ is still a relatively unknown event outside of hardcore cycling circles, but it none the less one of cycling’s most coveted records, simply because even to attempt requires great strength, power, stamina and mental fortitude.
Made by the same director of the aforementioned films, Jorgen Leth, The Impossible Hour takes place in Mexico City, where the nervous and rather highly-strung Ritter is battling to reclaim the hour record from Eddy Merckx, who had earlier set a distance of 43.491km.
Ritter had previously held the record since 1968, and wanted it back.
Ritter had been an unknown when he broke the record, but the feat had won him a professional contract and a certain fame in the cycling world.
The film is full of what those familiar with Leth have come to expect of his masterly works, including the usual attention to detail, great close-ups, lingering takes and of course the fantastic narration that defines his work.
In The Impossible Hour it is Leth himself who provides the English commentary, which at times is a work of art in itself, and his German accent lends itself perfectly to the meticulous concentration of Ritter and his team as they attempt to get ready to what is perhaps cycling’s toughest record.
Enjoy!
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