A love story: Director on injured star’s passion for his sport and burning desire to play again
It is a story of hurt, anguish, determination and recovery.
But, above all, according to the director behind a documentary charting Andy Murray’s comeback, it is a love story.
Director Olivia Cappuccini followed the two-time Wimbledon champ ion almost every day for 18 months as he attempted to overcome seeming ly insurmountable odds.
And, she says, the spor ts supers t a r lays bare his passionate, complicated relationship with his sport.
She said: “In my mind the film is a love story between Andy and the game. He was in so much pain he couldn’t even walk properly, yet he was willing to do anything possible to keep playing, even putting himself through more pain.
“It’s complex, like all relationships. He loves the sport, yet when he wins his greatest titles it looks like he’s relieved – it doesn’t look like a sense of joy or euphoric catharsis that he so deserves and to this day I’m not sure if he’s enjoyed his accolades or achievements as he should.
“A n y o n e w h o’s been in chronic pain or has their identity attached to what they do in a similar way, even if it’s not high profile, will be able to relate.
“He was willing to go through the emotional, physical and mental pain to return to playing.
“Towards the end of the film, he says he’s just happy not being in pain any more, but I think Andy is more determined than ever to return to the highest level with this metal hip.
“That conflict within him continues and I think that’s really endearing and human.”
The f i l m , A n d y Mur ra y : Resurfacing, provides accessall-areas footage of the 32-yearold from Dunblane, including graphic scenes of the metal hip operation that has ultimately allowed him to return