LEE PRIEST - REBEL WITH A CAUSE
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Documentary Movie Review by Vance Ang
‘Life is about fate and what you do with it’ – Edward Connors (Legendary American Bodybuilding Author)
There is an unsubtle irony of the title of this documentary film, aping the legendary ‘REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE’ (1955) starring the great James Dean with Director Nicholas Ray exploring angst and societal relationships amongst teenagers – in one of the earliest examples of a ‘coming of age film.’
In contrast, this documentary about Australian and international bodybuilding icon Lee Priest offers little subtext, as some might consider Lee more outwardly Orwellian. In the opening of Ray’s ‘REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE,’ an exhausted and disenfranchised Dean is bemused as he blankly fixates on a mechanical toy; the Lee Priest iteration would have him smirking and projecting a hilarious quip towards the animated object. As shown in REBEL WITH A CAUSE (‘RWAC’), Lee is an outlaw and rebel, a provocateur - but ultimately not for the sake of attention, but rather as the purest and unfiltered expression of self.
Directed by the talented Davin Sgargetta, RWAC captures the very essence of a man with an unwavering resolve, his supreme mastery of the sport of bodybuilding and his unshakeable conviction against some of the most influential federations in the history of the sport. While Lee was not everyone’s cup of tea, it is undeniable that he is worthy of perpetual praise as The Blonde Myth was able to play a crucial role raising key issues within the sport.
The opening comic panels, filled with images of Lee, are as stirring as they are poignant, reflecting his unabashed love for The Man of Steel. The irony is that despite Lee’s superhuman proportions, his personality and devil-may-care approach might make him more comparable to a cynical wise cracker like Deadpool. Yet seeing his origin story, especially when recounted by his sweet mother Lynette Butterworth and reference to his starting days easily tugs at the heart strings – especially where Lee recalls early motivation from his grandfather and later competitive inspiration from Australian bodybuilding pioneer Paul Haslam. The latter of which recalled his initial first impression of Lee, in teen years boasting a precocious persona but also the surprising physique of an adult. This bygone retrospective phase of the documentary illustrates that even in his humble beginnings in 1986 there was something truly special about Lee – even at the tender age of 13. A genetic marvel cited by the likes of Carl Hensel (aka The Master of Muscle) who also recounted his impressive stature and frequent growth in his formative years. In these early years, it is evident from notable Australian greats such as Tony Doherty, John Terilli, and Andy Cunningham that Lee was something of a prodigy, able to hold his own amongst seasoned competitors and with the requisite work ethic to match.
As the documentary progresses, it retains the standard by the numbers evolution in narrative as seen in most documentary biographical works. Yet in Lee’s case it was a meteoric rise in his youth and gaining his IFBB pro card that cemented his name within the annals of Australian bodybuilding lore, and it’s astounding to see the quality of package Lee presented at the age of 19 as recounted by Hensel himself.
Lee’s overseas exploits as an international competitor were the most intriguing and Davin Sgargetta has painstakingly consolidated some of the biggest names from the American circuit, to provide their thoughts on The Blonde Myth. His influence on champions such as Jay Cutler, Jose Raymond and Dennis James further validate and justify the impact that Lee had on their own careers – with Cutler speaking of ‘greatness,’ Raymond denoting the term ‘phenom’ and James calling Lee ‘a sight to be seen.’ Interestingly, Aussie Guy Grundy drew subtle parallels between his own journey from bodybuilding champion to rising movie actor and Lee’s pursuit of the American dream upon landing in the U.S.
As Lee settled into his American dream and top names like Joe Weider began to take notice of the impressive Australian, it seems that his shyness became apparent amongst his contemporaries with both Danny Hester and Chris Cormier citing the young Australian initially as ‘the quiet type’, before becoming acquainted and seeing the real smart alec within Lee, or as Paul Dillett stated, ‘the comedian’. This was evident in some archival footage where Lee in between sets, calmly refers to the criminality in Venice Beach as he does so with a straight face; lampooning Danny Hester as they stayed at Edward Connors’ palatial house, or surprising Jay Cutler by refusing to sign mandatory tax forms at The Arnold Classic. Whilst Lee’s very presence and stature defied all expectations, it was his idiosyncratic personality that also made him most memorable.
Lee’s self-deprecating humour and outgoing nature stood in sharp contrast to his intense focus on stage, where he held his own against mass monsters like Dorian Yates and the late Nasser El-Sonbaty. RWAC captures the prideful moments with Lee coming out on stage in all his glory and to the ravenous appreciation of the 1997 Arnold Classic crowd. However, at the IFBB NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS 2000 the infamous mix up in placings causing retrospective alterations might have just been the catalyst for the ordination of a more unfiltered and brazen Priest – undeterred by fines and even bans.
To the credit of the film makers, they neither shy away from, nor forgo a detailed discussion into this element of Lee Priest. At this point, the documentary adopts a more cynical and dour tone, as the film ventures into the man himself, who as the incomparable Milos Sarcev says ‘he (Lee) is a straight shooter, he doesn’t think twice, he just says what’s on his mind.’
Dennis James had referred to this as ‘keeping it real’ and indeed, Lee’s inability to self-censor is a blessing but also a curse, for his uncompromising honesty garners him a legion of fans who appreciate his forthrightness; and yet conversely, this rebelliousness is not welcome by the very institution that fostered his competitive pursuits. Perhaps a by-product of his openly honest candour, is that Lee freely courts controversy - flirting and seducing it with a humorous sadomasochistic fervour. Consequently, this had resulted in bans from competing and contract breaches and yet also created publicity for the outspoken Australian, making waves beyond the sport itself and harnessing this into a titular brand.
Undeniably, the film makers are brave enough to not only portray Lee as a complex individual but freely cover his flaws and various controversies – including his tenuous relationships with federations, luminaries, and fellow contemporaries. Thematically, RWAC covers a range of issues standard in any biographical documentary but delivers much of this in a ‘no frills’ demeanour, which easily mirrors Lee himself. Therefore, the narrative seeks that level of transparency to strengthen audience understanding of one of bodybuilding’s most complete packages and polarising personalities. There is a sizable section of the film dedicated to Lee’s passion for training, which is perhaps even viewed more as his life philosophy – his fulfillment and success could be attributed to his ongoing enjoyment of the journey, not necessarily the destination or outcome. His underrated feats of strength are also discussed, and these are sobering to hear what some of his contemporaries recount in relation to what The Blonde Myth could do in the gym.
To some, like this very journalist, Lee was an anomaly. The great rivalries amongst pro’s aside, through an Australian lens we have stars like Josh Lenartowicz or the late Luke Wood who both were justifiably idealised as ambassadors – clean cut, marketable, massive units and politically astute. These days, the down under connection boasts upcoming stars like the behemoth Liam Tuohy who is that new generation of Australian gentle giant that has that ‘wow’ factor physique and gentlemanly personality to match. We circle back to Lee, and as evidenced by the film makers, he’s that raw diamond that refuses to be polished. Lee knows his value, and so do we, and thus there is no need for refinement as he is as real as they come.
With Lee, the controversies surrounding his career and personal life are clearly presented by Davin and crew, who’ve balanced the champion on stage with the cheeky maverick offstage. The brilliance of this film lies in its portrayal of Lee's fierce competitiveness, skillfully balanced with emotional depth, as seen in the contrasting imagery of him carrying an Elvis impersonator alongside his herculean feats in the gym and on stage. While some of Lee's decisions may surprise us, it’s impossible not to appreciate the soulful essence of the man revealed in this film. As Dave Palumbo favourably says ‘Lee Priest and Danny Padilla were the original ‘Giant Killers’ – and such kudos is certainly a badge of honour in the world of the more towering bodybuilders.
To those in bodybuilding (whether champion, participant, or fan) RWAC has the capacity to further forge an emotional attachment to a man who truly made his impact on a misunderstood sport – ironically unintentionally creating a cult of personality, amongst a growing legion of fans. One of the most profound elements of the movie, is the way the film makers seek to paint Lee who is a champion that sought to remove complexities from the sport – by identifying structural thresholds and then challenging these norms. Whilst it may not have always worked in his favour, Lee’s very presence sought to address issues by tackling them head on, with equal parts humour, abrasive recalcitrance, and brutal honesty.
And as RWAC depicts factually, this did not always yield a positive result.
Lee’s brand of activism is admirable and in many ways reflects the Australian spirit, for he is that likeable rogue, blending a soft-spoken tone with bold confidence. Even the one-on-one interviews with Lee are laced with his signature cheekiness and irreverence, easily cracking the harshest of stoic faces. And yet there is the inherent duality, much like the superhero he admires, he possesses the larger-than-life persona within his bodybuilding brand; and by contrast he is also a mild mannered and kind natured man that people enjoy being around.
The production is exceptional, boasting an image that presents crisp visuals and audio, with the various featured interviews presenting the crème-de-la-crème of the sport of bodybuilding. Including (but not limited to) Edward Connors, Flex Lewis, Chris Cormier and Jay Cutler to Tony Doherty, Milos Sarcev and Paul Dillett – these all provide valuable insights from those in the know who provide the requisite depth and context weaved into this documentary. There are some scenes that illustrate the tension and drama pertaining to the topic of PED and hormone therapy; but there is a fresh and honest perspective painted by the film makers and his colleagues in this regard.
The movie has been in production now for approximately three years, and it shows as the number of stars presented (both past and present) is simply staggering as it is impressive. On one hand, the viewer could be treated to Paul Dillett fondly discussing his time competing against Lee and on the other, a contemporary champion such as Flex Lewis, offering his insights into Lee’s outwardly outspoken manner. These are as candid as they are fascinating, with the very purpose of these to engage the viewer and do so with sizable (pun intended) authority.
RWAC is both thought-provoking and gripping, particularly in its depiction of Lee Priest’s journey from the height of his success, through periods of stagnation, to his current brand revival. In addition to the upbeat sensibilities presented by the film makers, they have expertly weaved together impressive archival records, overlayed with the traditional talking heads that foster a highly immersive viewing experience. Given the esteemed cinematography experience of Gary Phillips and the creative directorial style of Davin Sgargetta, this movie’s appeal may foster an interest beyond the hardcore devotees of the sport – given the intriguing, fascinating, and cheeky persona of the subject. Regardless of his impressive dimensions, superhero extremities, and iconic status, REBEL WITH A CAUSE provides us the rare analysis into the man that owns the muscle.
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Author BIO
Vance Ang has primarily been professionally published in bodybuilding and fitness since 2004, having written extensively for hardcopy publications such as Australian IRONMAN and FLEX; but also for e-publications such as RAW Muscle and even writing as a movie reviewer for the New York based Film Combat Syndicate. He is a Melbourne based policy and strategy consultant currently undertaking his post graduate study in Law. In addition to bodybuilding, conservative politics, and kick-centric martial arts (Savate, Sanda and Sikaran) he is in the process of writing his first Lovecraftian horror novel ‘Providence.’