I’m always amazed at the subjects that make for interesting documentaries. On first thought, an expose on a video game popularized during the 1980s wouldn’t seem to be compelling fodder for a film. Sure, video games have become a permanent part of the pop culture lexicon, but watching introverted nerds play with their joysticks isn’t my idea of fun. That being said, I’m glad I’m not a closed-minded person unwilling to sample movies outside my wheelhouse, because Seth Gordon’s The King of Kong is one helluva documentary. It has drama, intrigue, humor and yes, I’m not joking, a villain. You don’t have to know anything about video games to enjoy this award-winning movie.

In the early ’80s, Billy Mitchell set what seemed an insurmountable record on the video game “Donkey Kong.” Mitchell held the record for nearly 25 years and parlayed his “fame” into icon status in the realm of gaming. Flash forward to 2006. Recently laid off teacher Steve Wiebe decides to dedicate himself to toppling Mitchell’s record. Upon purchasing a Donkey Kong arcade machine for his garage, Wiebe masters the game on his way to becoming the undisputed champ. Or so he thinks. What ensues is a fascinating and perturbing journey into the incestuous, corrupt world of professional video gaming. A world where Wiebe is viewed as an outsider. He soon learns that Billy Mitchell will do whatever it takes to keep his spot on top.

What an excellent film. Director Seth Gordon weaves an intricate tale of one man’s reach for greatness, and another man’s refusal to relinquish the last vestiges of fame. Finding interesting subjects based in reality is not easy, but Gordon struck gold when he found this bunch. Led by the mullet-haired Mitchell, we are introduced to a traveling circus of characters whose dogged pursuit of perfection and glory tests their sanity. Sympathizing with Wiebe is easy after witnessing the blockades he must endure just to break a stupid record. His tears of frustration are genuine. Meanwhile, the arrogant Mitchell and his band of spineless cronies bring new meaning to the term “pricks.”

Gordon deftly builds suspense throughout. Will Wiebe gain respect? Is Mitchell as big a fool as he appears? Will the two go head-to-head to claim the Donkey Kong crown? Films like this provide telling evidence to what dishonest assholes we as human beings can be. These guys aren’t acting; what you see is who they are. I’ve always wondered if people watch themselves after being interviewed for a documentary and realize how idiotic they sound. Do they not hear what they’re saying when the cameras are rolling? Do they even care? Watch The King of Kong and you’ll know what I’m talking about. This is a film definitely worth your time.

The trailer for The King of Kong:

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