by Michael Gavino?
When you think of documentaries, you either think of those boring science documentaries you sleep through at school, or the recent spate of political documentaries that are more about propaganda than information or entertainment. Thank god for King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters. With memorable characters and a terrific storyline, King of Kong is my early Oscar favorite for best documentary.
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The movie follows Steve Wiebe’s attempt to set the classic arcade Donkey Kong world record. Up to this point Steve’s life has mirrored the classic myth of Sisyphus – The ancient Greek condemned to constantly push a boulder up a hill only to have it roll all the way down. Once a promising high school pitching prospect, Steve injures his arm and loses the big game. This leaves such deep emotional scars that Steve spends most of his free time searching for something he can be the best at.
After losing a promising job, Steve runs across the classic arcade Donkey Kong record. Steve buys a classic arcade Donkey Kong machine and throws himself into breaking the record much to the consternation of his wife and children.
After endless hours of study and practice, Steve manages to break the record. He submits the videotape to the accrediting agency, Twin Galaxies, in accordance with the rules. Little does he know that the record is held by classic arcade God Billy Mitchell. Billy is held in such high regard that the classic arcade subculture cannot accept that an unknown has broken this most hallowed of records.
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Twin Galaxies dispatches two officials to Steve’s house to investigate. The officials bully their way into Steve’s house when he is not there and investigate Steve’s Donkey Kong machine. They find that the motherboard was purchased with the help of the shady character and persona non grata Roy Shildt. Twin Galaxy refuses to certify the record, and many in the classic arcade world consider Steve a “cheat.”
Billy Mitchell further demeans Steve’s accomplishments when he argues that records should be performed live to be considered valid. Crestfallen, Steve goes to the classic arcade hangout Funspot and, in front of Twin Galaxies referees, sets the record again. Finally Steve has achieved his goal, or so he thinks. In a matter of hours, Billy submits a videotape with a higher score. Twin Galaxies officials fall over themselves giving Billy his record back. Billy gleefully accepts the recognition despite his previous declaration that record should be preformed live. Hurt but not defeated, Steve goes from public tournament to public tournament challenging Billy to a one on one Donkey Kong duel. Billy ducks him at every turn. Slowly Steve wins over Twin Galaxies and the Classic Arcade world leading to a very satisfying ending.
What sets King of Kong apart from the other documentaries are the characters and the compelling story. One can’t help but root for the lovable Steve Wiebe on his quixotic journey to be the best at something, anything. Likewise one can’t help but root against Billy Mitchell. The acknowledged “greatest gamer of the 20th century” who manipulates everything to his advantage.
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The minor characters are just as compelling such as the uber geek and Billy Mitchell sycophant Brian Kuh, or the Zen-like head of Twin Galaxies Walter Day. Then there is my favorite, Roy Shildt aka “Mr. Awesome” whose diatribes may not make any sense, but boy are they entertaining. All these great characters are woven into a classic storyline – The classic underdog Steve Wiebe challenging the Goliath of the gaming world, Billy Mitchell.
What emerges is Rocky with joysticks. Steve takes figurative punch after punch but keeps on pursuing his dream until he wins over the gaming world. With such great characters and such an uplifting story, King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters joins the Seven Up series and Spellbound on my list of all time favorite documentaries.
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Photo credit: Seth Gordon?
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