Searching for Michael Peterson (DVD) Documentary
Fri 03 June 2011
Lauren White, Bachelor of Journalism
In this documentary about the legendary surfing cult hero from the gold coast Michael Peterson (MP), Peterson is presented as a talented surfer for his time that had many hidden inner demons.
For three years Michael Peterson was the best surfer in the world.
He won every major surfing contest between 1972 and 1977.
In 1977, Michael Peterson beat future four times world surfing champion Mark Richards in front of 20,000 people in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast, winning “Stubbies”, the first man-on-man surfing event and the first event of the modern world surfing tour.
After the event in 1977, Peterson, an undiagnosed schizophrenic, was only seen occasionally until 1983.
Peterson had hit rock bottom when he was arrested after a 15-car police chase from Coolangatta to Brisbane.
After being arrested, Peterson spent years in jail and in mental institutions, but emerged alive and bearing scars from his experiences.
This is an inspiring true story and a tribute to an iconic surfing legend that is still looked up to by many in the surfing world and will never be forgotten.
The DVD features running commentary from surf legends Mark Richards and Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew and the iconic Australian surf filmmaker Alby Falzon.
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Submitted Comments
Lauren has successfully outlined the "Beauty and the Beast" within Michael Peterson.
Bob