I recall playing blackjack at a casino in Las Vegas several years ago; the woman dealing cards was talking about her experiences dealing at the high rollers tables. She talked about Michael Jordan leaving the worst impression with her and Mike Tyson the best. I was incredulous. Mike Tyson? The Mike Tyson? This was only months before he bit off a chunk of Evander Holyfield’s ear in a bout at the MGM Grand in the summer of 1997. “Yes. He’s such a kind man,” she said.
Thus, you have the walking paradox that is “Iron” Mike Tyson. The documentary feature based on his life (and rise and fall from grace) is called simply Tyson. It hits theaters in November and, back in May, received a rousing ovation from spectators at the Cannes Film Festival. Tyson, who was in attendance that night, spoke about the shocking reception:
“I had no idea this thing was ever going to make it to this grand scale here. I feel totally overwhelmed. I’ve lived a wild and strange life. I’ve used drugs, I’ve had physical altercations with dangerous people, people were angry. I’ve slept with guys’ wives, they wanted to kill me. I’m just happy to be here. It’s just a miracle. I feel good about being here with you.”
Directed by James Toback, Tyson attempts the inconceivable: to make Mike Tyson look human again; and if Cannes was any indication, maybe that blackjack dealer wasn’t so crazy after all.
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