"You experience elation when the winner breaks the tape... But how long does that last? "
- Eric Liddell, Chariots of Fire (1981)
"Chariots of Fire", Hugh Hudson defining piece, follows the struggles of athletes Eric Henry Liddell (Ian Charleson) and Harold Maurice Abrahams (Ben Cross) in competing in the 1924 Olympics.
In the film, Liddell is torn between being a missionary to China and pursuing his gift of agility. He resolves to halt his ministry to chase his dream and, straining his family ties, Liddell is made to choose between his beliefs and responsibility to the country. Abrahams is driven to prove himself a true Englishman, believing that his Jewish heritage has become a basis for racial prejudice. Gaining recognition in Cambridge for his athletic prowess, he sacrifices valuable relationships and utilises questionable methods to achieve success. He is confronted with his fear of the uncertainty of the race even after so much effort given.
Hudson addresses an interesting set of themes derived from athleticism, including:
1) Motivations:
Liddell explains to others how he is running for God while Abraham is fuelled by the desire to prove himself an Englishman. Both are motivated by external reasons to stand out and succeed.
2) Focus:
Abraham's coach Sam Mussabini stresses that everything must be mentally blocked out during the race, including other runners.
3) Uncertainty:
Abrahams attends a race to size-up Liddell and later regrets doing so when he loses to him (Liddell). During the Olympics, Abrahams also suffers substantial amount of anxiety at the realisation that all his efforts and sacrifices boils down to a few highly unpredictable minutes.
4) Numbness:
Abrahams experience a post-victory numbness that isn't commonly portrayed in the big screen. Nonetheless, not knowing how to react or being in a state of disbelief is common among athletes.
In the film, Liddell is torn between being a missionary to China and pursuing his gift of agility. He resolves to halt his ministry to chase his dream and, straining his family ties, Liddell is made to choose between his beliefs and responsibility to the country. Abrahams is driven to prove himself a true Englishman, believing that his Jewish heritage has become a basis for racial prejudice. Gaining recognition in Cambridge for his athletic prowess, he sacrifices valuable relationships and utilises questionable methods to achieve success. He is confronted with his fear of the uncertainty of the race even after so much effort given.
Hudson addresses an interesting set of themes derived from athleticism, including:
1) Motivations:
Liddell explains to others how he is running for God while Abraham is fuelled by the desire to prove himself an Englishman. Both are motivated by external reasons to stand out and succeed.
2) Focus:
Abraham's coach Sam Mussabini stresses that everything must be mentally blocked out during the race, including other runners.
3) Uncertainty:
Abrahams attends a race to size-up Liddell and later regrets doing so when he loses to him (Liddell). During the Olympics, Abrahams also suffers substantial amount of anxiety at the realisation that all his efforts and sacrifices boils down to a few highly unpredictable minutes.
4) Numbness:
Abrahams experience a post-victory numbness that isn't commonly portrayed in the big screen. Nonetheless, not knowing how to react or being in a state of disbelief is common among athletes.
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