For a few years, I have been using this documentary as a discussion piece and writing exercise with my students. This documentary has sparked great conversation and has kept my emotional support students very engaged.
Maybe it's the mystique of such a gifted football player that most of them have never heard of, or the bigger than life persona that The Boz brought to the public's eye. Maybe it is the portrayal of Brian Bosworth and his son, contrasted with Brian's relationship with his own father and Coach Switzer. Whatever it is The Boz resonates with the type of students that I work with on a daily basis.
Boz is the ultimate Anti-Hero and he played that up for the cameras in a time where college football was just making its mainstream, television debut. But as flamboyant and outspoken as The Boz was, he definitely had the skill and talent to back that up on the football field.
This documentary seems a little forced at times. Brian and his son Max are in the process of going through a storage locker filled with Bosworth's memorabilia and this is the vehicle that pushes the storyline forward. Bosworth tries to deflect the awe and amazement that his son displays as he recounts his exploits. Interspersed is footage of Brian's past and interviews with teammates and former coaches and Brian himself.
It's entertaining and well produced, and even though it seems forced, there is a sense that the older Bosworth is reticent about his younger self's behavior and attitude. While the tears seem a little over the top, Bosworth shows some sincerity as he recounts the mistakes and the problems he created for himself. He doesn't deflect the responsibilty and criticism and that is the true take away from this film. Take responsibility and learn from your mistakes. For my population of students, this lesson rings true and hits home in many ways.
Click here to see what others are saying about it or to purchase this short film.
Also, here are the questions in Word Format that I use to get students discussing and writing about this documentary.
Boz Questions #1 Boz Questions #2 Boz Final Response
Boz is the ultimate Anti-Hero and he played that up for the cameras in a time where college football was just making its mainstream, television debut. But as flamboyant and outspoken as The Boz was, he definitely had the skill and talent to back that up on the football field.
This documentary seems a little forced at times. Brian and his son Max are in the process of going through a storage locker filled with Bosworth's memorabilia and this is the vehicle that pushes the storyline forward. Bosworth tries to deflect the awe and amazement that his son displays as he recounts his exploits. Interspersed is footage of Brian's past and interviews with teammates and former coaches and Brian himself.
It's entertaining and well produced, and even though it seems forced, there is a sense that the older Bosworth is reticent about his younger self's behavior and attitude. While the tears seem a little over the top, Bosworth shows some sincerity as he recounts the mistakes and the problems he created for himself. He doesn't deflect the responsibilty and criticism and that is the true take away from this film. Take responsibility and learn from your mistakes. For my population of students, this lesson rings true and hits home in many ways.
Click here to see what others are saying about it or to purchase this short film.
Also, here are the questions in Word Format that I use to get students discussing and writing about this documentary.
Boz Questions #1 Boz Questions #2 Boz Final Response
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