Minding the Gap (2018)

About Minding the Gap

"Minding the Gap" is a gripping documentary film directed by Bing Liu. It is a personal journey that explores the struggle and friendship of three young men from Rockford, Illinois, who share a love for skateboarding. As time progresses, they are forced to reckon with their past, including dealing with some deep-seated issues related to domestic violence, emotional trauma, and disillusionment. The movie weaves between past and present, offering a raw and impactful reflection on coming of age, masculinity, and the passage into adulthood.

Making / Production

The documentary was a labor of love by director Bing Liu. Spread over several years, the director documented his and his friends' journey in the gritty town of Rockford. Liu also delves into each of his subject’s personal life, an introspective journey that presents a striking contrast between their love for skateboarding and their personal struggles.

The movie was shot on a shoestring budget, but the production value remains high, with Liu effectively utilizing the cinematographic techniques to recreate the raw edginess of their life and experiences.

Actors

• Bing Liu: Himself - Known for his introspective and thought-provoking narratives, Liu films himself and his friends in this gripping tale of life, growing up, and dealing with trauma.
• Zack Mulligan: Himself - Zack, with his charming personality and complex life, presents viewers with a poignant picture of a man struggling with fatherhood and personal issues.
• Keire Johnson: Himself - The youngest of the three main characters, Keire offers a contrasting viewpoint through his experiences with racism and the complexities of growing up in a racially divided town.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• "Minding the Gap" was originally intended to be a short film about skateboarders, but as Bing Liu started to delve more deeply into their personal lives, the project bloomed into a full-length documentary.
• It was shot in Rockford, Illinois, known locally for its urban decay and high crime rate.

Awards

The film received critical acclaim after its release, earning it an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Feature at the 91st Academy Awards. Apart from that, it also won the Special Jury Award for Breakthrough Filmmaking at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival.

Quotes

• "We formed a family together. We couldn’t tear that apart."
• "I could seriously be on the verge of having a mental breakdown, but as long as I'm able to go skate, I'm completely fine."

Music, Soundtrack

• The musical score of "Minding the Gap" was composed by Nathan Halpern and Chris Ruggiero.
• The documentary features punk rock music alongside its original score, perfectly mirroring the edgy, raw vibe of the film.