THE NATURAL
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THE NATURAL |
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1984
134 min.
A film about the simple game of
baseball. A bat, a ball, and
a mitt. And one fired up
country boy intending to change the game and break all the records.
Whether you’re a fan of the game or not, The Natural is a
terrific film that will make you appreciate the much loved American
pastime. The
film portrays the naiveté and raw talent of Roy Hobbs played by the
marvelous Robert Redford, supported by equally wonderful performances from
an all-star cast including Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, and Kim Basinger.
The beautiful cinematography brings to life the dreamy and
frivolous mood of the early and exciting times of baseball
when the players may live out of their suitcases, but they live
big. But living big can mean
becoming a pawn for the big bosses. Before
Hobbs can prove his talents in the major league, his opportunity is
usurped by shady circumstances. Sixteen
years pass before we see a somewhat jaded and tired man trying to start
over with all the odds against him. It
is clear however, that there is a lot to learn in youth as he is sized up
by the much younger prima donna hot shots on the field.
And he quietly proves them all wrong.
In his older age, he is much more able to deal on his own terms in
the face of doubt, deception, greed, and scandal.
However, in a moment of weakness he can still be distracted, and he
falls into a slump, forgetting to believe in himself.
It takes the inspiration of his childhood sweetheart and risking
everything to bring him back to the genuine man he is, and the game that
he truly loves.
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