Bipolar Rock ‘n’ Roller Plot Summary:
Showtime’s sports documentary department looks at the life of their lead boxing commentator, Mauro Ranallo and his daily struggle with bipolar affective disorder.
Mauro Ranallo may just be the best announcer/play-by-play man in all of combat sports right now. His ability to be a narrator, an educator, a historian, and a fan all at once is absolutely remarkable. His style of broadcasting makes him instantly relatable to fans, yet his knowledge of what he’s calling elevates him to a level of highly respected authority. In short — he’s respected and relatable, and his ability to tell a story no matter the sport he’s calling, is unparalelled.
What makes Mauro Ranallo great as an announcer, is what makes this soul bearing documentary, Bipolar Rock ‘n’ Roller, so incredible. He’s simultaneously bearing his soul to the audience as well as being an advocate, a teacher, and an authority on the disorder from which suffers from. It all goes back to his commentary style — relatability and respectability. He’s educating through his own experience, and the education is powerful.
To be perfectly fair, Bipolar Rock ‘n’ Roller is not an easy watch. Seeing Ranallo in states of devastating depression, and fits of mania are not pleasant. And they’re not supposed to be. You really have to commend the man for allowing cameras to catch him at his most vulnerable. From his manic fits playing music to his anger and disgust at his performance after a major Floyd Mayweather fight are gripping as all hell.
This film is honest. It holds no punches — whether its Ranallo or one of the interview subjects. They’re very straightforward with their thoughts on being in the moment with Ranallo during bad times, but also showing how they came around to understanding, coping, and aiding Ranallo…and that’s important.
This documentary is an advocacy film. It’s Ranallo, Showtime, and the creative team behind the film’s way to prove to people suffering from not just bipolar affective disorder, but any other type of mental illness that goals can be achieved — just look at this guy. He’s become of the premier announcers in the world, and he’s had to battle everyday to make it happen. It’s an inspirational tale, not a cautionary one. However, it’s never preachy. Like Ranallo — it’s honest, and it comes from the heart.
Rating: 9 out of 10
