Watch Hands on a Hard Body: The Documentary

In 1997, documentary filmmaker S.R. Bindler released Hands on a Hard Body: The Documentary, a film that would go on to earn critical acclaim for its clever blend of humor, heart, and good old-fashioned American spirit. The film tracks the progress of ten contestants who are competing in an endurance contest sponsored by a car dealership in Longview, Texas. The rules are simple: the last person to remain standing with their hands on a brand new Nissan truck will win the vehicle. Contestants are allowed a five-minute break every hour, but otherwise, they must keep one hand on the truck at all times, even during meals and sleep breaks.

As the contest plays out over the course of several days, Bindler and his crew capture the highs and lows of each contestant's journey, from the initial enthusiasm of the first day to the weariness and desperation of the final hours. Some contestants quickly drop out, unable to handle the sleep deprivation, physical strain, and boredom that come with the contest. Others push themselves to the brink of collapse, enduring hallucinations, blistered feet, and grueling exhaustion in their quest for the truck.

One of the standout participants is 21-year-old Greg Cox, a charismatic and determined young man whose folksy charm and unwavering optimism make him a fan favorite. Cox's father was killed in a car accident, and he hopes to win the truck as a way to honor his memory and provide a better life for his mother and siblings. Another memorable character is Kelli Kirkland, a hard-nosed waitress whose trash-talking and fierce competitive streak make her a formidable opponent. Sid Allen, a Vietnam War veteran with a no-nonsense attitude, also proves to be a surprising contender, despite his age and a bad leg.

But Hands on a Hard Body is more than just a contest of endurance. Through interviews with the contestants and their families, Bindler delves into the economic and cultural realities that have led these working-class Texans to stand for days on end with their hand on a truck. For many, the contest is a chance to win a vehicle that they could never afford otherwise, an opportunity to escape the cycle of poverty and debt that has defined their lives. But for others, the contest is a way to prove their worth, to carve out a slice of recognition and achievement in a world that often overlooks them.

What makes Hands on a Hard Body work so well is its blend of humor and pathos. Bindler manages to find the absurdity and surrealism in the contest - watching grown adults awkwardly eat sandwiches with one hand, hallucinating in the middle of the night, or dancing deliriously to keep themselves awake - but he never mocks or belittles his subjects. Instead, he captures the human drama and emotion of the contest, as each contestant confronts their own limits and dreams.

There are moments of heartbreak - such as when one contestant, struggling with addiction and marital problems, breaks down in tears after being eliminated - but there are also moments of triumph, such as when Cox and Kirkland form an unexpected alliance in the final hours. The film's climax is both thrilling and bittersweet, as the last two contestants - Cox and Kirkland - battle it out in a test of willpower and endurance that will determine who goes home with the truck.

Overall, Hands on a Hard Body: The Documentary is a captivating and engaging film that explores the human spirit in all its glory and complexity. It's a testament to the power of determination, the allure of the American Dream, and the resilience of the human heart.

Hands on a Hard Body: The Documentary is a 1998 documentary. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 82.