Tyson's actions following his defeat are as famous as his in-ring actions. First was the rape of Desiree Williams, leading to a three-year prison sentence, and his oft-parodied match with Evander Holyfield where, in a moment of desperation, Tyson bit off a piece of his opponent's ear. These moments are covered in James Toback's Tyson, a documentary about the fighter, but even more interesting than the stories behind these instances is Tyson's refusal to admit any wrongdoing.
From the opening montage, Tyson is unique - not just in its subject matter, but in how the documentary plays out. Rather than following the "normal" documentary formula by offering multiple perspectives, Tyson is completely from Tyson's point of view. As a result, Tyson is a 90 minute stream of consciousness where "Iron Mike" is allowed to just talk. It's interesting, but at the same time, incredibly disturbing and awkward.
Much of this stems from Tyson's inabilty as a storyteller. It is clear he has something to say, but at the same time, his internal editor is clearly shut off. He says what he wants, no matter how off-beat or crass it may be. This works against his likeability only as far as you're willing to give him credit for. If you already have strong opinions about his character, his words won't sway you either way. At the same time, if you go in without baggage, you'll get a completely different perspective. I won't say you'll like the guy - I don't - but either way, you'll see him as a troubled, lost individual.
Much of Tyson's story is inter-cut with reels of past interviews, including a Barbara Walters interview with his ex-wife Robin Givens who has little good to say about him. This is one of the few times we hear a different perspective and it is interesting to see Tyson's reaction to the clip. Clips from Tyson's career provide a wider picture of his character. The in-ring stuff is great, but only helps to further his persona as a bridleless individual. Then there are the interview segments, which are just as crude as his interviews.
The DVD includes commentary and more background information on Tyson and the film. The commentary is delivered in the same "stream of consciousness" style as Tyson's thoughts. This is by design and, as Toback explains, is meant to offer a conversational style. "Iron Mike" is a cut-down version of Toback's commentary.
Tyson is Mike Tyson's life in his own words. If you can accept the lack of alternate opinions and take the film at face value for what it is - a non-objective, in-his-own-words documentary - you'll find an interesting, but tragic and somewhat distrubing portrait of a celebrity.
