The NFB is committed to respecting your privacy

We use cookies to ensure that our site works efficiently, as well as for advertising purposes.

If you do not wish to have your information used in this way, you can modify your browser settings before continuing your visit.

Learn more
Skip to content Accessibility

Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows

In this feature-length documentary, director Paul Jay was given unprecedented access to the world of Bret Hart and pro wrestling as his camera followed Bret "the Hitman" Hart for one year. Going behind the tightly guarded walls of wrestling's spectacle and theatre, the film explores the meaning of today's wrestling morality plays. As fantasy crosses into real life, the true story of Bret Hart's struggle with Vince McMahon, the legendary owner of the WWE, is revealed. Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows climaxes with the tale of the biggest double-cross in pro wrestling.
Your rental expires on
None
You've already purchased this film.
Download it from My purchases.

Details

In this feature-length documentary, director Paul Jay was given unprecedented access to the world of Bret Hart and pro wrestling as his camera followed Bret "the Hitman" Hart for one year. Going behind the tightly guarded walls of wrestling's spectacle and theatre, the film explores the meaning of today's wrestling morality plays. As fantasy crosses into real life, the true story of Bret Hart's struggle with Vince McMahon, the legendary owner of the WWE, is revealed. Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows climaxes with the tale of the biggest double-cross in pro wrestling.

 This work contains scenes of violence. Viewer discretion is advised.
Sports and Leisure All subjects
Fascinating People All channels
  • director
    Paul Jay
  • script
    Paul Jay
  • producer
    Sally Blake
    Paul Jay
    David M. Ostriker
    Silva Basmajian
  • executive producer
    David M. Ostriker
    Paul Jay
  • cinematography
    Joan Hutton
  • sound
    Gary Bruckner
    Per Asplund
    Andrew Yarme
    Harry Zafrany
  • editing
    Manfred Becker
  • sound editing
    Stephen Barden
    Sue Conley
    Robb Wright
  • sound mixer
    Keith Elliott
    Mark Zsifkovits
  • music
    Tihm Clément
    Colin Cripps
    Russell Walker

Education

Ages 16 to 17

Notes

Use for the study of heroes. What roles do heroes/idols play in society? How do they help us shape our view of the world and our own identity? What are the characteristics of a hero? Have students discuss/write about the onstage/backstage personae we all display at different times, with different people. What kind of words or actions show whether we have integrity?

More educational content

Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows
Purchase options
Licence Information
Already paid to see this film?
Licence Information
Download licence details
Personal & Single-Classroom Use

Who it’s for:

Individuals watching for personal use, and parents or teachers wishing to screen a film for a single class in Canada.

What it allows:

  • Private, personal viewing in Canada and worldwide.
  • Screening the film for a single class in Canada.
  • Downloading and watching offline.

What it does not allow:

  • Screenings or events for multiple classes, school boards, or campus-wide events.
  • Community, public or institutional screenings or events.

Bonus materials are not included with the downloaded film.

Institutional Use

Who it's for:

Organizations, government departments, businesses and non-profits. For other institutions seeking licensing options, please contact info@nfb.ca .

What it allows:

  • Internal screenings for employees, members or patrons.
  • Screenings open to the public on the organization’s premises, with no admission fee and outside the commercial cinema circuit.
Looking to host a one-time public screening instead?

Who it's for:

Public libraries, community groups, NGOs and other organizations wishing to host a one-time public screening in Canada with no admission fee.

How to request a screening:

Complete the “Request to screen an NFB film” form.

For any questions, email communityscreenings@nfb.ca.

Streaming restrictions

Films purchased as downloads (DTO) cannot be hosted on a streaming server without prior authorization.

To request permission to add these films to an institutional or educational streaming server, contact info@nfb.ca.