"Up for Grabs" strategically sets up the events leading to the fight over the baseball purported to be worth $1 million. It starts with a recount of baseball's previous home run legends like Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron and Roger Maris. The documentary examines arguments made for both sides in a comical and crafty way.
Popov, the plaintiff, is unreserved, outspoken and comes off as an attention monger, all the while painting himself as a victim of petty theft. Hayashi never really plays up to the media as much as Popov does. He tends to shy away a little but when he does talk, he often keeps his answers and comments short and concise.
The battle over the baseball lasted more than a year. As you watch its developments, you're thrown into mini-fits of emotion. At first, you think that it's ludicrous how the conflict could have gotten so far as a trial.
The film sucks you in by forcing you to lean in favor of one or the other. It changes your convictions and you don't know where your loyalties lie. It makes for strong arguments and, like the two players in the game, you start believing that you've got one legitimate and paramount piece of litigation here. But in reality, the story of Popov vs. Hayashi is one of human greed and the never-satisfied thirst for fame and notoriety. The documentary presents human nature in all its avaricious finery.
Popov's actions could be interpreted as that of an attention-starved man out for blood and money, or that of a man who was blatantly robbed and seeking justice for having been wronged. Hayashi's actions could be interpreted as that of a thieving opportunist or that of an unsuspecting fan just trying to defend what was rightfully his. You really can't decide, yet you know that the bottom line here is money. As you watch the film, you see that it won't be worth it for either man in the end.
Michael Lindenberger is a partner in Crooked Hook Productions, which was started by Wranovics. He is also the coordinating producer of "Up for Grabs."
When asked why this particular subject was chosen for the first-time filmmaker's documentary, Lindenberger said, "I think Mike (Wranovics) immediately recognized the great potential for a story that would be dramatic, suspenseful and very funny. Clearly, when you have two guys who are fighting over a baseball and may actually go to trial over it, you have to assume that there's going to be some great drama."
He added, "I think the humor is derived from the fact that many people in the film -- the plaintiff, Alex Popov, in particular -- seem to take either themselves or the situation so seriously."
Wranovics takes the absurdity of the situation and milks it for all it's worth for the benefit of the viewers. The arguments made on behalf of both parties were convincingly backed up with eyewitness accounts and the infamous video footage, known as the "Keppel Tape." The video footage was shot by San Francisco TV cameraman Josh Keppel, who was in the Arcade stands at Pacific Bell Park and just baby steps away from Popov and Hayashi. Keppel served as co-director of photography on the documentary.
"However, because he was so involved and integral in the production of the film, he deservedly has the title of co-producer," Lindenberger said.
The news media was all over the court case while it was in progress. So why present a subject that's already been presented?
"While the media only reports the news in eight-second sound bites," Lindenberger said, "there were so many interesting characters and events that took place during this controversy, there was plenty of material for a documentary. I think the documentary format in general really allows one to explore a story in a way that the news simply can't."
"Mike is a die-hard baseball fan," he added. "He follows the Giants very closely and really knows his baseball history."
According to the Crooked Hook Productions' Web site, Wranovics wrote, directed and produced the documentary having had no formal education or experience in filmmaking. It was made with a production budget of around $180,000, according to Lindenberger. In addition to receiving good reviews, "Up for Grabs" won the audience award for Best Documentary at the 2004 Los Angeles Film Festival and the jury prize for Best Documentary at the 2004 Phoenix Film Festival.
You don't have to be a baseball fan to enjoy this documentary. I'm not much of a baseball fan but, strangely enough, I really enjoyed the documentary. Lindenberger stated, "The interesting thing about 'Up for Grabs' is that many people will walk up to us after film festival screenings, a lot of women in particular, who say they aren't baseball fans but really enjoyed the film. Baseball really is just the starting point of the film from which other events follow."
"Up for Grabs" will be screened at the Louis Vuitton Hawai'i International Film Festival at the Signature Dole Cannery Theatres in Iwilei today at 7:30 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 29, at 7:15 p.m.
For more information on the Hawai'i International Film Festival or to purchase tickets online, visit their Web site at www.hiff.org
2008 Woodie Awards
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