'Bobby Fischer Against the World' is the first documentary feature to explore the tragic and bizarre life of the late chess master Bobby Fischer. The drama of Bobby Fischer's career was undeniable, from his troubled childhood, to his rock star status as World Champion and Cold War icon, to his life as a fugitive on the run. This film explores one of the most infamous and mysterious characters of the 20th century.
Bobby Fischer Against the World grips like a thriller but Garbus allows her audience to make up their own mind about this remarkable and strange man, pawn and one time king (of the world).
Liz Garbus’ intimate film combines impressive archive footage with candid interviews with Fischer’s friends and colleagues.
Fascinating and far less didactic than you might expect, Garbus' film explores the intellectual beauty of the game balanced against the erratic and enigmatic Fischer.
A compelling look at the tragic and bizarre life of an enigmatic champion.
"Chess," Bobby Fischer once said, "is life." The tragedy was that his maddened, delusional life often overshadowed the genius of his game.
Garbus shows that however troubled and complex the chess legend and international outcast appeared, the truth was much more disturbing.
With its fascinating interview footage and tremendous black-and-white still photographs by Harry Benson, who was permitted great access to Fischer, this is an intriguing portrait. Its pessimism makes it a difficult watch.
Mesmerising.
Chess! What is it good for? Perhaps a television documentary instead.
Garbus’s documentary paints a portrait of a sad genius who grew up alienated and grew old alienating many of the people who admired and might have helped him.
It's a sad story of genius paying for the gift.
It’s a life so incredible and so tragic even those with no knowledge of the game will be enthralled.
Tracing his journey from gifted child to limelight-shirking monomaniac to reclusive anti-American conspiracy theorist, the film may stick to the standard rise-and-fall story arc, but it does pull together a lot of fascinating archival material.
Fascinating but rather low-key.
Bobby Fischer: Black and white magic
The World and Bobby Fischer: an interview with Liz Garbus
Bobby Fischer: How the king of chess lost his crown
General release. Check local listings for show times.