Overview: André René Roussimoff was born in 1946 in Grenoble, France. Early in his teenage years, he exhibited signs of gigantism, rapidly growing to more than seven feet, though he was not diagnosed with acromegaly until his twenties. He began his training in Paris at 17 and eventually became known in wrestling circuits around the world, including Europe, Australia and Africa. In 1970, Roussimoff made his Japanese debut, which put him on the radar of Vince McMahon Sr., founder of what is now known as World Wrestling Entertainment. In 1973, Andre joined the organization, where McMahon Sr. famously billed him as Andre the Giant. Andre’s unique voice and athletic prowess, coupled with his more than 500-pound, seven-foot, four-inch frame, made him an unforgettable attraction. On Jan. 27, 1993, Andre Roussimoff succumbed to his gigantism and died of congestive heart failure. And while WWE has had a memorable cast of larger-than-life stars during the two decades since his passing, Andre the Giant is still remembered as one of the greatest.
ANDRE THE GIANT is executive produced by Emmy-winning documentarian Bill Simmons, who joined HBO in summer 2015, is the founding editor of The Ringer website and launched Ringer Films in 2017. Emmy-winning director and producer Jason Hehir (JMH FILMS) is the director.
Expectations: Clearly, by the mere presence of this documentary, Andre the Giant is still an unforgettable attraction. The hype and hoopla for this film have rivaled the blowout spectacles the WWE puts out for its stars. I mean if you go to YouTube alone go can get over a dozen video clips from the film ranging from his love of drinking & flatulence to his disdain for certain wrestlers. It seems that producer Bill Simmons covered every aspect of the colossal star to make one colossal film.
Gut Reaction: First kudos go out to Bill Simmons & Jason Hehir. They have packaged an exciting documentary for the HBO Sports Division. Simmons seems to have found his niche at the network after his ANY GIVING WEDNESDAY talk series didn’t last past one season. Here, as executive producer, he lined up talks with WWE (WWF at the time) & Hollywood personalities and also relatives of Andre’s to get the complete story of his life and career. And since the very nature of the realm that is wrestling entertainment those moments pop with bold, brash, loud imagery. That is contrasted with quieter moments reflecting 
the personal struggles of the larger than life man. Hehir is a long-standing member of HBO Sports and was able to capture those moments and assemble all of them into a cohesive and interesting film.
Attention also needs to be drawn to pro wrestling historian David Shoemaker. He really added perspective and knowledge in his contributions to the film. He, better than anyone, from an observer’s viewpoint, could illustrate the impact Andre had on the industry. He clearly placed Andre at the pinnacle of the industry as the first nationwide wrestling icon. The sports entertainment rode on his colossal shoulders and the giant seemed to do it with ease. Tim White, Andre’s handler, was also there so his insights into the life of the giant were also a key and interesting part of the film.
The energy and hoopla ride high until 37 minutes into the film. It is at that marker we learn that Andre was not all that he appeared. The Andre The Giant persona was huge, but the personable Andre Roussimoff was stressed. He lacked privacy and normalcy due to his fame and his size. He couldn’t fit into a car or a plane seat. He was gawked at constantly by wrestling fans and the curious. He always stood above the crowd. Luckily, we learn, that at times he could escape to a North Carolina ranch to hide. Then at 57 minutes in we learn of the physical damage he body was subjected to daily. The acromegaly was taking its toll let alone the poundings he’d take in the ring. He’d lumber on though, for the love of his job even if it meant appearing with a cane for support, even if it meant revamping his persona from hero to villain. It all ended up a great story to tell, a great life to remember.
It was fun, as a fan of WWE in those early days, to relive some of the highlights of the golden age of wrestling and the colossal moments Andre The Giant had during it. Several moments replay in the film and were expounded on by mostly Hulk Hogan, but included Ric Flair, Gene Okerlund and Vince McMahon. But it was also fun to have cast and crew of The Princess Bride remark on the man. He was really hurting during the making of that movie. His life, his career 
could not have been told any better.
In Conclusion: I’ve seen close to a dozen HBO documentary films so far this year and at the top of the list is this one. It was fun and exciting to watch. It honored a colossal champion I remember. Now I can say I know the man. The focal point, of course, cannot be missed. There was no other like Andre The Giant. You don’t have to be a fan of his craft to get into this story. Check out ANDRE THE GIANT and witness a fascinating life story. And, as an endnote, I hope Bill Simmons can get to us another interesting film from HBO Sports soon.
