Personal Best

2012 1h 29m EN

Documentary

Synopsis

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Filmed over four years, a portrait of up-and-coming British sprinters in training and competition on the eve of the 2012 Olympics, and a deeply personal account of their lives as they strive towards their dreams.

“Some stories are better left unspoiled.”

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Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Sam Blair
Languages: English
Countries: United Kingdom

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Fun facts 🍿

1 / 6

RUNTIME

Did you know

89 minutes exactly — the "classic feature" runtime most directors aim for.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 6

ERA

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Released 14 years ago.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 6

RUNTIME

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Lean credit list — fewer than 30 people officially credited.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 6

DIRECTOR

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Directed by Sam Blair, shot by Jean-Louis Schuller. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 6

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Sam Blair shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 6

WILD

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IMDB entry: tt2099541 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Sam Blair directs. Jean-Louis Schuller behind the camera. Sam Blair cuts. Runs lean at under 100 minutes. Produced in United Kingdom. Dialogue in English.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

189 minutes exactly — the "classic feature" runtime most directors aim for.
2Released 14 years ago.
3Lean credit list — fewer than 30 people officially credited.
4Directed by Sam Blair, shot by Jean-Louis Schuller. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
5Editor Sam Blair shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
6IMDB entry: tt2099541 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.