Last year, ESPN released its acclaimed 8-hour documentary mini-series, The Last Dance, about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls’ final seasons together. It was wonderful, and I know non-sports fans who watched and were riveted by it. But to Bulls fans, as meticulous and excellent as it was, there was a small hole in the story. That’s the near-total omission of center Luc Longley. He could be seen in a few clips, but wasn’t interviewed, and I don’t think was even mentioned – though if he was, it was only once or twice in passing. To be clear, Longley wasn’t a major player on the team, but was not an unimportant part, and he was a very popular player in Chicago, in part because he was the full person from Australia to play in the NBA – and had a relatively laid-back Australian attitude. It’s never been quite clear why he was left out, but the story sort of revolves around that Michael Jordan wanting to focus on others. Though that doesn’t make complete sense, since it shouldn’t have stopped the filmmakers from simply talking to Longley. Basically, he was a low-key guy who didn't make headlines, and got left out. But as a result of that, another documentary came into being. That would be One Giant Leap made for Australia TV specifically about Luc Longley, his life and long, unexpected journey to the NBA, and interesting aftermath. It’s an hour long, and was presented in two 30-minute parts. And it’s not only extremely good, open and very interesting -- with lots of footage of his Bulls teammates and coach Phil Jackson talking eloquently about him and his importance to that great team -- but the documentary is notable and got a great deal of attention for one special thing: Michael Jordan’s extensive participation. Jordan, who isn't known for doing all that many long interviews, sat down for a half-hour talk with the filmmakers, almost specifically because he felt terrible that Longley wasn’t included in The Last Dance. He talks openly about that (and as I noted above, discusses that while he made a mistake not discussing Longley and regrets it, there was no reason the ESPN documentarians couldn't have spoken with him -- something Bulls coach Phil Jackson confirms in the film, as well), and goes on how terrific Longley was, how integral to the success of the team, and how much he admired Longley. Obviously the full interview isn’t included in One Giant Leap, but a lot is, interspersed throughout. Producer Caitlin Shea has said that when they set out to make the documentary, they had no idea if Michael Jordan would participate at all, let alone do a long interview. She said she'd never interviewed someone that famous and didn't know what to expect, and was even a bit scared when sitting down, not knowing what Jordan would want to talk about or avoid. And she was amazed by how open he was and gracious, and just went on talking at length, about himself and Longley. For all that, there’s a wonderful moment near the very end that stands out, with about two minutes to go in the documentary, when Longley is given a copy of Michael Jordan’s full interview to watch, and they show him watching Michael Jordan say all these truly wonderful things about him, how much he mattered, and how if Jordan had to put together a team, he would never leave Luc Longley off of it. And watching this, not expecting to hear such glowing praise from the basketball legend, a surprised Longley beams – most-especially after having not been included in the ESPN film -- and says quietly, “Whoa, go M.J.” Anyway, here are the two half-hour parts of the One Giant Leap documentary. And I’ve followed it with a bonus – the full 30-minute interview with Michael Jordan. Here's Part 1 of One Giant Leap -- And this is Part 2 -- Finally, here is the bonus video of Michael Jordan's full interview with the filmmakers. I seem to have some problem getting it to start at the beginning, but I think that's because it's link is in the memory cache of my browser, so that shouldn't be a problem for others. If it is, though, you only have to drag the scroll bar back to the beginning --
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AuthorRobert J. Elisberg is a political commentator, screenwriter, novelist, tech writer and also some other things that I just tend to keep forgetting. Feedspot Badge of Honor
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