Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Bobby Fischer Against the World- HBO Special

I finally had the chance to watch this docudrama on the enigmatic Fischer, this is something I would recommend you watch. Since, I was only 9 when he won the world chess championship in Iceland. The entire match was almost ruined because of his refusal to go to Iceland for numerous reasons.

 I never knew how popular Fischer was during his run to the title.
 All I remember was that he disappeared from the public and everyone was saying "where is Bobby Fischer?"

After his win, and during the time of Ali, Bobby Fischer was the known as the most recognizable figure in the World.
Chess was such a big deal, ABC broadcast the games live. This was a difficult situation for such a recluse. 
Fischer then started his slide and never defended his title. Then he disappeared for nearly 17 years from the world of public life.   This HBO show really documents his psychological issues and psychosis that caused his disappearance from the world.

The weirdest part of the story, a female chess player named Zita sent him a letter and he became smitten with her and returned to the public life.

The worst part was his arrogance and public disgust for the US government after his playing days. 
He openly made fun of the USA after the twin towers on 9/11 and supported Osama Bin Laden. 

His brilliance at chess, his arrogance and many mental issues led him to a life that I find sad and disappointing.

Bobby Fischer was a genius at Chess, maybe the greatest player ever, but he lived his life espousing hate and I have lost the wondrous mystic I once had for the name Bobby Fischer.

J

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