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Four Rodeo Cowboys put their heart, body and wallet on the line for the possibility of making big money following their dream of being a cowboy.
In this fascinating documentary “American Rodeo: A Cowboy Christmas,” director H.D. Motyl, (“Oh Michael/Oh Jesus,” “Token of Love,” “Image of an Assassination: A New Look at the Zapruder Film”) takes us on a journey with four Rodeo Cowboys as they embark on the grueling two week run-up to the 4th of July known as Cowboy Christmas. During these two weeks, cowboys from all over the U.S. get the opportunity to add to their seasons winnings by having the chance to compete in a many as 50 Rodeos throughout 19 states with a total payout of $3 million dollars up for grabs. With so many Rodeos over such a short period of time, there are obviously more events that one Cowboy can possibly enter, however, as director H.D. Motyl explores their daily routine, it is clear that these men and women will try their hardest to make it to as many as possible. And the ultimate goal? To increase their seasons winnings with the hope of reaching the top 15 and ultimately making it to Las Vegas and the NFR (National Finals Rodeo).
We all have an idea of what the typical cowboy should be, whether we envision Clint Eastwood or John Wayne gun slinging in the old west, or the Marlborough man smoking his cigarettes. It’s the most iconic American symbol to a lot of non-Americans and Americans alike, and to many boys and girls around the world, they are the embodiment of cool, a loner, and a free spirit. H.D Motyl introduces us to four Cowboys as they prepare themselves for the busiest 2 weeks of their Rodeo calendar, and as we follow Matt, Sam, Darrell and Jule, we start to realize that these Rodeo Cowboys are not what we envision. One of these, Darrell, doesn’t even consider himself a real cowboy. To Darrell, being a real Cowboy means waking up early and mending fences, looking after cattle. Darrell does none of these, he has what we would call a normal full-time job. However, being a Rodeo Cowboy is in his veins and as soon as he enters that area, he is as much a Cowboy as the next competitor. It’s a family affair and we discover that most of the others have the same lineage. It’s a love for Rodeo that has been passed down their bloodline, their fathers or grandfathers all competed in one way or another and the desire and thrill of it has permeated down the generations. It’s a tough life, outside the area is a life on the road. Thousands of miles of tarmac are covered, sometimes 16 hours of driving between events is required and not all events end in prize money. In fact, it amazed me how much money these four were spending just to enter these competitions, often not winning a penny in prize money. Now don’t get me wrong, this documentary only focuses on the 2 weeks of Cowboy Christmas, the grueling push to make as much money as possible over what can only be described as an insane 14 days and as many of the cowboys interviewed said “If you don’t win you can’t stay very long in this business.” Nonetheless, it seems a very volatile industry and only true passion and desire could allow these men to continue competing. The toll on their bodies is immense with injuries commonplace and knee braces almost becoming as necessary as pants. But it’s their love for what they do that enables them to ignore the aches and pains, and that is very admirable. While on the road these men have plenty of time to think and dream of winning a little bit of Rodeo Fame and a lot more fortune. However more often than not they spend a lot only to make a little.
Rodeos consist of many different events but the focus of this documentary is on the Steer Wrestlers, or as they call themselves, the Bulldoggers. This is an event in which a horse-mounted rider chases a steer, drops from the horse to the steer, then wrestles the steer to the ground by twisting its horns. Once the steer is on its side and under control, the time stops with the best time taking the prize. Another term for this event is the “Big Man’s Event.” Each steer is different and like most of us, has different personalities. They all act differently with some being better than others, it’s only luck that determines what steer you will get and this can sometimes be disastrous for the cowboys. With only two timed runs every event, getting a bad steer and not being able to record a time can end your chances of making any prize money, rendering the 8-12 hour drive and hundreds of dollar spent, worthless. Notes are taken on each steer’s traits and freely shared among their fellow cowboys, a surprising and very noble practice. It’s not something you see in most sports, competitors freely sharing information with each other but in the rodeo world, it appears common practice. Each competitor doesn’t necessarily want their rivals to win nor do they want them to fail and there is a very strong sense on camaraderie. The four cowboys who are the focus of this documentary, travel in pairs, providing moral support and companionship on the arduous two-week stretch to July 4th.
H.D Motyl puts together a fascinating insight into what I have always considered the most quintessential American pastime. The glitz and glamour of the big events are just a small glimpse into what most spectators see, in this documentary we are exposed to the other side of this iconic sport. The side that focuses on the competitors and what the sport means to them, what they put themselves and their families through to pursue a sport and way of life they love. Motyl has accomplished this using a good balance and an honest and insightful approach to the human side of the sport and we shouldn’t forget the well-being of the animals and it would be reckless to ignore that, there will be people that say this is barbaric and of course they are entitled to their option. This is never really approached in the documentary and nor was I expecting it to be. This is a well-attempted endeavor that opens up the world of Rodeo, if only just for a moment, and allows us to marvel at the blood, sweat, tears and effort these Cowboys put themselves through, for a passion that’s been passed down the generations.
Now available on VOD
