Pre Runs Again  
By Amy Boytz of The Oregon Daily Emerald 
 
The red carpet isn't rolled out for just anyone, but then again, Tom Cruise isn't just anyone. 

Last Friday, the mega-star was in town to attend the Eugene screening of "Without Limits," the story of legendary University of Oregon runner Steve Prefontaine. 

Cruise, clad head-to-toe in black, greeted swarms of screaming fans and flashed his million-dollar grin often, despite the buckets of rain. 

Cruise does not star in "Without Limits" -- he produced it, along with Paula Wagner of Cruise/Wagner Productions. "Without Limits" follows "Mission:  Impossible," the company's first production. 

But what drew Cruise to Prefontaine's story? 

"A lot of people feel inspired by human accomplishment," Cruise said. 

Along with Cruise, actor Donald Sutherland also attended the premiere. Sutherland ("The Dirty Dozen," "Ordinary People," "A Time to Kill") plays former Oregon track and field coach Bill Bowerman. Also appearing were co-producer Wagner, executive producer/co-writer Kenny Moore and director/co-writer Robert Towne. 

Prefontaine, who attended the University from 1969 to 1973, was famous for his aggressive, strong-willed attitude and rock-star charisma. 

To capture the essence of Prefontaine on film would be difficult. But this film comes close. 

The movie, filmed almost exclusively at the University during the summer of 1996, beautifully depicts the campus. Watch for footage of many University students and faculty in bit parts. It has a believable screenplay that portrays the intensity of Prefontaine, Bowerman and the art of running. 

But what is most remarkable about Without Limits is its casting. Billy Crudup ("Sleepers," "Inventing the Abbotts") plays Prefontaine perfectly. To prepare for the role, he studied hours of Prefontaine's races on film to emulate Pre's every arm motion, head turn and crowd-pleasing gesture. Crudup spent additional time on the track training for the running scenes. What results is a flawless portrayal of Pre. 

Sutherland also seizes his role as Bowerman. Sutherland accurately depicts Bowerman's determination as a coach and his love for the sport. 

Monica Potter ("Con Air") plays the role of Mary Marckx, Pre's girlfriend. Potter portrays Marckx as naive yet headstrong, an understanding companion to the complex Pre. 

The story behind "Without Limits" occurred almost a quarter-century ago and may not be widely known outside the Eugene area. However, with Cruise as co-producer, it should gain attention. 

This is a film not just about Prefontaine and running but about the inner drive to succeed at whatever cost. It is not just a movie for sports fanatics, but for anyone who's ever wanted to accomplish a goal. The film opens Oct. 9 in Portland. There is no current opening date for the film in Eugene.