Brotherly bonds and rivalry have often formed the basis of gripping narratives. This ‘Kane and Abel’ motif brings out the strength of familial ties. All This Mayhem uses this to startling effect. A documentary examining the journey of brothers Tas and Ben Pappas, their participation in professional skate-boarding would unearth intense emotions. With drugs and other obstacles standing in their way, how they coped with unseen dilemmas would define their relationship.
Directed by Eddie Martin, All This Mayhem is consistently compelling. Like any good documentary it examines its subjects in minute detail. From the heights of their skate-boarding career which brought them worldwide fame to the crashing lows of how they handled it, nothing is left unsaid. Martin is objective enough not to white-wash any issues with the Pappas brothers’ misdeeds shown as much as their finer moments.
Blending home movies, interviews and various skate-boarding films, Martin successfully creates a picture of the world in which the brothers lived. The people involved in the skate-boarding world reveal different angles to their personalities whilst commenting on the sport. How the commercialisation and sponsorship changed the way they viewed it also affected their lives. This multi-faceted quality brings an edge to proceedings making All This Mayhem more than an endless talking-heads festival.
The old saying that ‘there is nothing more compelling than life’ is true here. All This Mayhem is an insightful and spirited essay in chasing dreams and redemption. In exploring the subjects’ lives over a 25 year period, the passion they had for the sport shines through which is something this captivating documentary shows with great success.
Reviewed by Patrick Moore
Rating out of 10: 8
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