Netflix Pick – The Resurrection of Jake the Snake
Jake the Snake in his prime
This week’s Netflix Pick was recommended by So Wizard’s very own Joey DiCarlo. I passed on this documentary last week in light of Muhammad Ali’s passing and the fact that I’ve never been a wrestling fan. I watched a few duds then remembered how much Joey liked The Resurrection of Jake the Snake. Wrestling fan or not, it makes no difference. The Resurrection of Jake the Snake is a powerful human interest story and every bit as good as the fictional Mickey Rourke vehicle, The Wrestler.
In the first 8 minutes of this doc you’ll be pulled up to great heights and then your spirits will fall so low you’ll feel for this man you don’t personally know in ways you never thought possible. Legends of wrestling’s past and present turn up to talk about how great Jake the Snake is both inside and outside of the ring. The praise on this man is so glowing you’ll wonder, what could possibly have happened? Then the reality sets in. Wrestling, while non-fans just think of it as ‘fake’ still takes a toll. By your mid thirties your body has taken a lifetime of abuse and the changing trends age these athletes out quickly. That coupled with a horrendous past and several addictions made Jake’s downfall fast and hard. The downfall of Jake from wrestler to drunk is far from the most tragic part of his life. Be prepared.
The documentary follows another wrestling legend, Diamond Dallas Page (DDP) on his quest to help his old friend. Page is another wrestler whose past his prime. This isn’t meant as an insult but he’s sixty years old now and wrestling is a young man’s game. The difference is Page didn’t have to fight the same demons as Jake and also found ways to keep himself relevant in the world he loves and with the fans he loves. He even created his own workout routine, DDPYoga, which is a commercial success as well as having real results of its potential.
Like most true life stories, and in line with the title, The Resurrection of Jake the Snake is heart breaking and uplifting, then back again. Opening on a high note and quickly breaking the audience’s collective heart you know exactly what you’re in store for. As Jake tearfully pours out his heart and opens every door, letting out every skeleton he’s kept locked up since childhood you not only feel for him and relate to him on a human level but instantly his problems with addiction, inability to have a family life, and depression despite his former fame all make sense.
The documentary crew itself is made up largely of wrestling fans. Many of them get a candid interview to talk about their past experiences with Jake the Snake. The wrestler, not the man. The fact that the crew have a personal stake, or at least interest, in the outcome of trying to save Jake in more than one way really shows in their work.
When Page gets to Jake his tone is understanding but firm. THe way this man conducts himself is a true sign of love and friendship. More so it shows the character of who Page is and helps to show how much Jake means to everyone. When Jake is stubborn, especially when drunk, Page delivers a new definition of tough love. This documentary isn’t for the soft millennial generation who complain about harsh words and trigger words. Page yells and swears often to get through to Jake. He isn’t a bully, it’s all in his best interest. Seeing the tough approach in practice was uplifting in its own unique way. Page couldn’t have been so caring if he was indifferent on Jake’s recovery. Whenever these confrontations arise the soundtrack bounds into your chest and beats your heart like a drum.
Throughout the doc, and breaking away from traditional film (even documentary) 3 act structures is constant controversy. When Jake is sober he’s a great guy. When he has even a few beers he becomes a nightmare man child who is impossible to reason with. Right when you feel like you’ve had enough, Page is right there with you, something miraculous happens. Jake gives his addictions up to help someone else in need, someone who is physically and mentally further gone than himself. Scott Hall aka Razor Ramon. Razor calls Page and asks for help. Jake stands by Page and tells Razor that not only will they help but Jake needs to help him. He isn’t kidding. The accountability going up to Page and then extending a hand down to Razor is a turning point in his recovery.
Jake the Snake Crew
I could keep gushing through every detail about this documentary. I could even rewatch it now despite having finished it half an hour ago. It’s powerful and really sits with you. It will make you appreciate what you have, who you are, and will shine new light on what these performers do in the name of their fans. Wrestling may not be your thing, but human interests and redemption has to be. That’s why we all love movies, isn’t it? If you are a fan of wrestling shame on you if you haven’t watched this incredibly documentary yet.
