Bullish on Luke Perry

Luke Perry’s movie about real-life world champion bull rider Lane Frost may not be a great movie but, as a British ex-patriate who had never clapped eyes on a bull rider (real or on celluloid), let alone heard of Lane Frost, I found “8 Seconds” fascinating, inspirational and moving. Hell, I cried.

Peter Rainer classified Perry’s Frost as a “cardboard good guy” and said he “never sinks low enough to make his rise exciting” (“ ‘8 Seconds’: This True Rodeo Story Lacks True Grit,” Calendar, Feb. 25). In fact, he’s alternately gutless, arrogant and idiotic for much of the movie. Perry’s portrayal is uncomfortably unflattering in places and his widow, Kellie, should be congratulated for allowing Perry to publicize the seamier side of her late husband. Nor does the evidence show that Kellie was what Rainer calls a “stand-by-your-man sweetheart,” in real life or as played by Cynthia Geary.

Rainer finds fault with the film’s “processed” heartbreak. Processed? This is a true story. Sure, the film’s major downfall is its over-sugary script; let’s face it, schmaltzy lovers’ talk is enough to make the soppiest of us cringe.

I also would like to mention James Rebhorn’s role as Frost’s undemonstrative father. Contrary to the review, I thought his increasing displeasure as Frost sweats his way to the world championship was not intended to be viewed as a peculiar expression of paternal love. He was more like a father who resented Lane’s following in his own long-gone, champion bull-riding hoof marks.

The story of Lane Frost has obviously been a labor of love for Perry, and an important test of his acting skills. He has never been stretched like this on “Beverly Hills, 90210” and clearly he can act. His Western cowboy drawl is also consistent and eons away from the TV show’s Dylan McKay. More impressive, though, is the fact that Perry spent months learning to ride bulls for the film. No stunt doubles for him, it’s all real, and dangerous to boot.

Perry has guts and a big heart. I interviewed him recently at the film’s international press junket. His eyes welled with tears and he was so choked he couldn’t speak. The real Kellie Frost had just told him she loved the movie; that he’d got Lane Frost spot-on. He said that was all that mattered.

Making it in the movies is tough, so give the guy a break and, if not credit, at least full marks for effort.