Watch Breaking the Surface: The Greg Louganis Story

Breaking the Surface: The Greg Louganis Story is a biographical drama film released in 1997, which documents the life and career of the legendary Olympic diver, Greg Louganis. The movie, which is based on Louganis' autobiography of the same name, stars Mario Lopez as Louganis, Michael Murphy as his coach, and Jeffrey Meek as his lover.

Born in 1960, Louganis faced several challenges during his early years, such as his parents' divorce, moving frequently, and being diagnosed with dyslexia. However, he found solace in diving, which he discovered when he was eight years old. Soon, Louganis displayed remarkable talent and was discovered by Ron O'Brien, an accomplished diving coach who took him under his wing.

Louganis faced several hurdles during his diving career, including a difficult relationship with his mother and an injury that threatened to end his career prematurely. However, his hard work and dedication paid off when he won his first Olympic medal at the age of 16 in the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Four years later, he achieved even greater success at the Moscow Olympics, winning two gold medals and setting a world record.

Despite his success, Louganis faced several challenges, including being diagnosed with HIV in 1988, which he initially kept secret. In 1987, while training for the Seoul Olympics, Louganis hit his head on the springboard during a dive, resulting in a gash requiring several stitches. Despite the injury, he went on to win two gold medals in Seoul, earning immense respect and admiration for his courage and resolve.

Breaking the Surface: The Greg Louganis Story covers these pivotal moments in Louganis' life, from his childhood, through his Olympic triumphs, and to his battle with HIV. The film depicts Louganis as a profoundly talented and dedicated athlete, who overcomes adversity to achieve greatness. However, it also portrays him as a complex and vulnerable human being, struggling with deep-seated emotional and psychological issues.

One of the most notable aspects of the film is its portrayal of Louganis' relationships, particularly with his mother and his lover. Louganis' mother, portrayed by Rosemary Dunsmore, is depicted as a domineering and often cruel woman who frequently belittles her son. Louganis' lover, Tom Barrett, is played by Jeffrey Meek and is shown as a supportive and compassionate figure who stands by Louganis through thick and thin.

Mario Lopez's performance as Louganis is considered one of the highlights of the film. He portrays Louganis with great sensitivity and nuance, capturing both his physical grace and his emotional depth. Michael Murphy delivers a solid performance as Ron O'Brien, Louganis' coach, who serves as a mentor and father figure. Similarly, Jeffrey Meek's portrayal of Tom Barrett is imbued with warmth and tenderness, making him a sympathetic and likable character.

Overall, Breaking the Surface: The Greg Louganis Story is a moving and inspiring film that explores the life and legacy of one of America's greatest athletes. It portrays Louganis as a complex and multifaceted person, highlighting his triumphs and challenges with equal measure. While the film is a biopic, it is also a statement of acceptance and tolerance, as it showcases one of the first openly gay athletes and persons living with HIV to achieve success at the highest level of sports.

Breaking the Surface: The Greg Louganis Story is a 1997 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.