That, in essence, is the central theme that haunts these two documentaries. The paradox of Walton’s and Chamberlain’s careers lies in the fact that they were marked by achievements such as college and professional championships, statistical dominance (especially in Chamberlain’s case), and unparalleled athletic abilities, yet they were ultimately defined by disappointment. Both men failed to win as frequently or effortlessly as they were expected to. Walton’s career was plagued by injuries, while Chamberlain’s dominance was overshadowed by the Boston Celtics and their celebrated center, Bill Russell, who was regarded as the hard-working Everyman in contrast to Chamberlain’s self-centered obsession with sex and statistics, which has become a part of sports folklore.
Directed by Rob Ford and Christopher Dillon, “Goliath” is a more conventional and workmanlike project compared to “Luckiest Guy.” However, in its three episodes, it convincingly paints Chamberlain as a generous and sensitive individual who was simultaneously blessed and confined by his physical stature and extraordinary all-around athleticism.
While it fulfills its duty as a sports documentary by highlighting Chamberlain’s triumphs and frequent setbacks on the court, “Goliath” is more interested in exploring the impact he had as a Black cultural figure and a self-determining professional athlete. The documentary features interviews with writers, pundits, and scholars rather than basketball players. To compensate for the limited availability of images from Chamberlain’s early years in the 1940s and ’50s, shadow-puppet scenes reminiscent of Kara Walker’s art are used.
When watching these two documentaries side by side, it is the sense of commonality that emerges that is most compelling, rather than the differences between the two men. Both Chamberlain and Walton were self-conscious stutterers who learned to endure and excel under intense scrutiny. While Chamberlain may have been more flamboyant, Walton, in “Luckiest Guy,” is equally aware of his own behavior, with a certain ostentatiousness and a hint of ego in his portrayal of modesty. (James also challenges Walton’s lifelong, but generally discredited claim of being only 6 feet 11 inches tall.)
Seasoned sports fans may notice another commonality: Neither “The Luckiest Guy in the World” nor “Goliath” is as thrilling to watch as “The Last Dance.” This presents a conundrum, as both Chamberlain and Walton can be argued to be more complex, interesting, and poignant figures than Michael Jordan. However, Michael Jordan’s unmatched record of success shines bright. While winning is not the sole determinant of greatness, it undeniably remains the most captivating aspect of a sports documentary.
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