Disney on Par with “Greatest Game”
With courses beginning to close shop for winter, golfers can find solace in a new, worthy addition to the golf movie canon. Though “Caddyshack” and “Happy Gilmore” are popular golf movies, a collection of substantial golf dramas is growing. “The Legend of Bagger Vance,” the more recent “A Gentleman’s Game” and “Bobby Jones, Stroke of Genius,” are all sincere works devoted to Scotland’s sport. The latest to tee off is “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” a feel-good Disney movie that deals more with sports psychology than the practical realities of the game.
The true story is also based on Mark Frost’s novel, “The Greatest Game Ever Played: Harry Vardon, Francis Ouimet, and the Birth of Modern Golf.” The fact that the book’s author also wrote the screenplay may explain the film’s psychological leanings. This is a story about what goes on in the human mind during competition.
The story is about young Francis Ouimet (Shia LaBeouf, the lead in “Holes”), a blue-collar boy with a talent for golf. Living across the street from a country club, Francis grew up caddying and learning the game of gentlemen. A few subtle mentors at the club nudge Francis into a tournament and before he knows it, Francis finds an opportunity to play in the U.S. Open. Francis thrives in the tournament and finally must play head to head with reigning champion Harry Vardon (Stephen Dillane, “King Arthur”). However Francis’ father disapproves of the elitist culture and continually forbids his son to waste time on what he considers a futureless venture.
So who is the bad guy? One may guess the father would be, but he’s merely a bitter byproduct of the real antagonist: elitism. The idea that some people are superior to others, whether due to background, family or finances, is nothing new to the silver screen (see “Titanic”). The film wisely latches onto this anti-elitist theme that gives a voice to the voiceless, a theme that suggests who we are is more important than where we come from.
The film is competently directed by Bill Paxton ( “Titanic,” “Apollo 13”), who chooses visceral cinematography and detailed sound editing to tell the story of the game. While the details of actual game play is muted, we do see a lot of the mental discipline required to compete and win. What’s interesting is how the film renders these states of mind visually. Golfers, if not competitors in any sport, should like seeing these ways to get into “the zone.”
Also noteworthy is Shia LeBeouf, who was hailed by a “Holes” casting scout as a cross between Tom Hanks and Dustin Hoffman. While that prediction remains to be seen, LeBeouf shows promising acting maturity and proves that he can lead a film. He’s got range, timing and a goofy charisma that are pleasant to watch. Expect to see LeBeouf often in the coming years.
“The Greatest Game Ever Played” is a Disney film that reminds how some movie formulas work for a reason. If you want to see a competent movie about competition, this won’t disappoint.
Chris Blakesley is a film critic for the Utah Statesman, and got a birdie once in Bowmanville, Ontario. Questions or comments can be sent to cblakes@gmail.com