Without Limits 
Reviewed by Eric Lurio
 
Directed By Robert Towne

This is the story of the foundation of a sneaker company. Nike athletic shoes was founded in the late ’70s by University of Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman. This is a fact. 

Bowerman(Donald Sutherland) would make designer sneakers for his students. This is shown over and over again, but this is treated like a subplot, which it is. 

What it’s also about, is his relationship with his greatest charge, Steve Prefontaine(Billy Crudup), an incredibly talented runner who came in fourth in the 5000 meter race in Munich Olympics of 1972. 

This is your basic sports hero movie. Pre is an arrogant bastard. He very much wants to go to the University of Oregon to be with Bowerman, but demands a formal invitation from the fellow before going. He wants to go out with the gorgeous Mary Marckx(Monica Potter), so he makes a date with her roommate and takes Mary out instead. He’s bullheaded and won’t pace himself. 

Crudup and Sutherland give great performances, but the movie isn’t particularly compelling. There is really no inner conflict here, nothing to make the story compelling. Which is a pity.