Bobby Fischer Against the World 2011

A.O. Scott, New York Times: Tactfully but strongly posits a connection between the genius he brought to an infinitely complex game and the madness that defined his relationship to just about everything else. Read more

Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out: Supplies a cracked, conflicted genius trapped in his ceaseless endgame. Read more

Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor: Liz Garbus's documentary about the great American chess champion Bobby Fischer does its level best to avoid the easy cliche equating madness and genius, except that, in the case of Fischer, the cliche apparently holds up. Read more

James Greenberg, Hollywood Reporter: Another quality picture for HBO Documentaries. Read more

Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times: A once-in-a-lifetime character makes for a fascinating documentary subject in producer-director Liz Garbus' "Bobby Fischer Against the World." Read more

Rick Groen, Globe and Mail: The real battle pitted Bobby Fischer against Bobby Fischer, and this documentary is a revealing account of the many skirmishes in that enduring civil war. Read more

Tom Huddleston, Time Out: Overall, the film lacks that precise hook of exactly why it's worth telling this story now, but it remains a fascinating story nonetheless. Read more

Peter Howell, Toronto Star: How did Fischer rise so high and then tumble so far? Garbus doesn't pretend to have all the answers, but she shines light into dark corners. Read more

Dennis Harvey, Variety: Assembly is brisk and high-grade, allowing for the variable quality of archival materials. Read more

J. Hoberman, Village Voice: Garbus handles this decline with tact. The sorry spectacle of the ranting codger never effaces the image of the boy concentrating his entire being over a chessboard. You have to love that kid and pity him. Read more