There's a fine line between genius and madness and the stories of MP's exploits are part of Australian surfing folklore. Searching for Michael Peterson features interviews with the world champions, filmmakers and locals who watched the whole mad ride. Includes classic footage of MP not seen for thirty years.
“Brought a tear to my eye.”
“At Last! A surf movie that gets up close and personal!”
“Once the film was over, I drove home sad & restless. I have been thinking about it ever since. Even the great, good sea was not able to bear the weight of MP’s madness. Is there anything more valuable than peace of mind? We should do much to guard it, & always be grateful for it. ”
“I loved the way that you allowed the concept of the sea man, the man who is only at home on a wave to be clearly expressed. I have friends like that. They’re often wild on the land.
Thanks for using my song at the end. I’m honoured. ”
“The stories told pull no punches & paint a picture, capturing Michael’s life, which was no fairy tale. The old footage of Mick surfing came up absolutely unreal, and shows why this man has become folk law to so many.
Anyone who has not yet seen this masterpiece, and to those who were not fortunate enough to see one of the greatest surfers of all time in his prime... do yourself a favour. ”
“It lets you understand the power and talent of Michael – but also gives a strong insight into the dark side. You find yourself thinking and lamenting what a great talent gone to waste – because we just didn’t understand back then the issues of mental illness and of course, the impact of drugs on so many people. ”
“I’m regarded by many as a bit of a cynic and a hard-nosed MF, but Rabbit’s closing piece really encapsulated Michael’s unfortunate decline into a life that is as far removed from his early years than any of us can even begin to comprehend. I have to admit to you that I was on the verge of tears; that is the greatest compliment I can pay you as a filmmaker. You drew me into your film and engaged me on a level much deeper than the act of simply watching it. Epic!!”
“The release of the premiere of the ‘Searching for MP’ film truly struck a bottom turn in my heart. It was not your usual pump up the hydraulic plumbing macho fluid stuff. Sure the rip tear and lacerate of the father MP of modern high performance surfing was ‘oh yeah baby.... show me the money’, but it had a humanity and respect for Michael’s condition that set it a cut above.
We all owe a debt to Michael for BUSTIN DOWN THE DOOR of plain average surfing performance and showing us a standard of excellence and possibility. A man of vision and courage. ”