Leave it to someone like Suzy Hotrod to help spark your interest in roller derby!
What is apparent when watching a documentary is that it’s quality depends on how well the subject is presented. It can be done well like last year’s Mr. Rogers documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor, or not so well like J.D. Salinger’s film, Salinger in 2013. This Monday, the Art of Brooklyn Film Festival will be hosting the world premiere of the feature documentary, Suzy Hotrod: Roller Derby Star. The titular star, Suzy Hotrod, is the last original member of New York City’s Gotham Girls Roller Derby league, and is possibly the most well-known skater in the sport, or as the culture calls it, she’s “derby famous.”
Roller derby has always been an underground sport and culture but, in the past few years it has consistently received more public attention, especially after the release of the 2009 Ellen Page film, Whip It. Yet, despite this growing interest, roller derby still remains an alternative culture, barely making headlines. In the documentary, Suzy Hotrod states that in the rink, a skater is the most famous person in the world, but becomes an everyday person again the minute they exit the tournament building. According to her, this is the best kind of fame to have, especially when commuting on the subway!
Director Leon Chase does a fantastic job of capturing Suzy Hotrod’s life and personality, whether it is skating in the rink or working as a photo editor. Suzy herself is such an interesting personality on camera, and has a modest way of presenting herself. One of the most touching scenes in the documentary is when she presents artwork made for her by fans that she keeps in her Williamsburg apartment, especially the ones made by kids. (As she states, you never throw out artwork made by a kid! This moment offers a glimpse of the comradery that exists in roller derby culture, despite its competitive nature.
The look of the documentary itself has an edgy and unpolished presentation, and is properly fitting to the spirit of the sport. There is a sense of honesty that to the film, with little to no fluff in how it presents its star, even going so far as to show Suzy’s inexperience with playing pinball! As Suzy says, she can’t be good at everything.
Despite her retirement from skating in 2014, Suzy Hotrod has continued her involvement in the sport to this day, mainly by coaching young girl skaters. But don’t let a part-time film critic like me try to sell you on how cool this film is! Go check out this documentary and see for yourself!
Suzy Hotrod: Roller Derby Star will have its world premiere at the 9th Annual Art of Brooklyn Film Festival on June 3rd at 9PM at St. Francis College.
