Standout: The Ben Kjar Story (3 1/2 stars out of 4)
Tanner Christensen’s documentary “Standout: The Ben Kjar Story” is a showcase for an inspirational story and a welcome option for anyone looking for something different from the mainstream offerings at the multiplex.
“Standout” follows the true story of a young man from Centerville, Utah as he navigates difficult physical and social challenges to chase his passion for wrestling. Ben Kjar was born with a condition called Crouzon Syndrome, which required substantial surgery to his skull as an infant, and contributed to facial characteristics that often drew the wrong kind of attention as he grew up.
Early in the film, we follow the early stages of Kjar’s story as he struggles to reconcile his otherwise normal relationship with family and friends with his reality in public and at school, where his facial differences lead to bullying and other uncomfortable encounters.
Kjar’s reaction to this treatment provides the key to short and long-term success, and as “Standout” moves forward, we watch him become an energetic and popular presence, and eventually channel his energies into junior high and high school wrestling efforts. Most of “Standout’s” narrative is built around Kjar’s wrestling experience, which builds on the traditional underdog ethos as he sets ambitious goals and overcomes the odds to achieve them. But we also get additional information about what has happened to Kjar in adulthood, as it becomes clear that glory on the wrestling mat isn’t enough to solve all of life’s challenges.
On its own, Kjar’s story is inspiring enough to justify a watch, but Christensen’s efforts add a strong element of heart and craft to the final product. “Standout” goes beyond the archival footage and talking heads usually employed to do the heavy lifting in documentaries, and includes various recreations and contextual footage to further engage viewers. And in one unexpected twist of fate, Christensen’s team was able to find a young boy with Crouzon Syndrome to portray a young Kjar in the film.
“Standout” marks Christensen’s first effort as a director after several years as an editor. The film has plenty to offer a wide variety of audiences, but natives of Davis County will enjoy an extra level of appreciation for the film, which showcases familiar settings including Centerville Junior High School and Viewpoint High School, plus familiar faces like Kjar’s high school wrestling coach Bart Thompson.
Having attended both schools–including a brief stint as a half-cocked journalist covering Viewmont’s wrestling team–it was a challenge to not just get caught up in the nostalgic side of the experience. But nostalgia and personal connections aside–I should note that I’ve known Tanner for many years–“Standout” adds craft and care to a strong story that bodes well for future productions.