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Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows

1998 1 h 33 min
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In this feature-length documentary, director Paul Jay was given unprecedented access to the world of Bret Hart and pro wrestling as his camera followed Bret "the Hitman" Hart for one year. Going behind the tightly guarded walls of wrestling's spectacle and theatre, the film explores the meaning of today's wrestling morality plays. As fantasy crosses into real life, the true story of Bret Hart's struggle with Vince McMahon, the legendary owner of the WWE, is revealed. Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows climaxes with the tale of the biggest double-cross in pro wrestling.

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This work contains scenes of violence. Viewer discretion is advised.
Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows

Details

In this feature-length documentary, director Paul Jay was given unprecedented access to the world of Bret Hart and pro wrestling as his camera followed Bret "the Hitman" Hart for one year. Going behind the tightly guarded walls of wrestling's spectacle and theatre, the film explores the meaning of today's wrestling morality plays. As fantasy crosses into real life, the true story of Bret Hart's struggle with Vince McMahon, the legendary owner of the WWE, is revealed. Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows climaxes with the tale of the biggest double-cross in pro wrestling.

This work contains scenes of violence. Viewer discretion is advised.
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  • director
    Paul Jay
  • script
    Paul Jay
  • producer
    Sally Blake
    Paul Jay
    David M. Ostriker
    Silva Basmajian
  • executive producer
    David M. Ostriker
    Paul Jay
  • cinematography
    Joan Hutton
  • sound
    Gary Bruckner
    Per Asplund
    Andrew Yarme
    Harry Zafrany
  • editing
    Manfred Becker
  • sound editing
    Stephen Barden
    Sue Conley
    Robb Wright
  • sound mixer
    Keith Elliott
    Mark Zsifkovits
  • music
    Tihm Clément
    Colin Cripps
    Russell Walker

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Education

Ages 16 to 17
School subjects
Diversity - Identity Ethics and Religious Culture - Ethical Values Health/Personal Development - Identity Physical Education - Safety/Fair Play/Leadership
Use for the study of heroes. What roles do heroes/idols play in society? How do they help us shape our view of the world and our own identity? What are the characteristics of a hero? Have students discuss/write about the onstage/backstage personae we all display at different times, with different people. What kind of words or actions show whether we have integrity?
Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows
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Home licence (worldwide); Classroom licence (Canada only)

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Institutional licence

The institutional price includes the rights to screen this film in institutional settings and in free public screenings.

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