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MR. BLASSIE GOES TO WASHINGTON
Directed by Jeff Krulik
What do you think of when you hear the name Fred Blassie? Do any of you even remember who Fred Blassie is? Unless you are a die-hard wrestling fan, chances are you would have no idea that this guy is the King of Men, otherwise known as Classy Freddie Blassie.
Fred Blassie is a man's man. He's not afraid to tell it like it is. And that's precisely what he does in MR. BLASSIE GOES TO WASHINGTON.
Jeff Krulik's approach is simple. He invited Fred Blassie to come to D.C. for an all expenses paid tour. Krulik gathered a hoard of big-haired women to escort Mr. Blassie on his trip. Krulik just let the camera roll, and What he captured is a pure delight to watch.
After years in the wrestling industry, Fred Blassie is first, and foremost, a showman. At times it's hard to decide if what we see is the real man or just his wrestling persona. Sometimes he comes off as a complete ass, sometimes as a man trying to hold onto his fleeting fame, and sometimes as a man who is so content in his own ways that he doesn't care what you or I think.
Whatever your opinion of Fred Blassie, one thing is certain, he loves to talk. Asking the man a simple question is like opening the floodgates on the Nile. He has something to say about almost everything, and he will share his thoughts with whoever happens to be on the floodplane.
As Blassie travels the city, viewers are privy to his thoughts on war, his dislike for Bill Clinton, his love for the everyday man, and his delusions of self-grandeur. In his mind, everyone watches wrestling and knows exactly who he is. There is a hysterical scene where Krulik drops Blassie off at a Waco Protest in front of the FBI building. Within minutes, Blassie has the press eating out of his hands and the protesters screaming for him to leave. Blassie can't seem to figure out why everyone was so angry, after all, he was there.
The movie opens with Krulik and Company meeting Blassie at the airport and finishes with him leaving. Wrestling flashbacks are kept to a minimum. Krulik expects his audience to be as familiar with Blassie as Blassie himself believes them to be. When people see his purple-sequined jacket, they know he has to be a star, they just aren't sure whom. Don't worry, Blassie will do everything within his power to make you figure it out.
MR. BLASSIE GOES TO WASHINGTON is an affectionate view of a childhood hero. Krulic never allows his camera to pass judgment. What you see is what you get, just like the man himself. By the end you can't help but like the guy. I can't help but recommend the movie.
You can order MR. BLASSIE GOES TO WASHINGTON directly from Jeff Krulik at www.planetkrulik.com