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Battle of the Sexes: A Movie Review
The movie “Battle of the Sexes” is a 2017 sports drama that tells the story of the iconic tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. The film was directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris and written by Simon Beaufoy. It stars Emma Stone as Billie Jean King, Steve Carell as Bobby Riggs, Andrea Riseborough as Marilyn Barnett, and Sarah Silverman as Gladys Heldman.
The Storyline
The movie takes place in the early 1970s when women’s liberation was sweeping through America. Billie Jean King, one of the top female tennis players in the world, is fighting for equal pay and recognition in a male-dominated sport. Meanwhile, self-proclaimed male chauvinist Bobby Riggs sees an opportunity to capitalize on the moment by challenging King to a tennis match that he claims he will win easily. What follows is a battle not just on the court but also one that challenges societal norms and gender roles.
The Casts
Emma Stone delivers a powerful performance as Billie Jean King. She captures the essence of the tennis legend’s determination and strength, and her on-screen chemistry with Steve Carell is palpable. Speaking of Steve Carell, he does an incredible job portraying the larger-than-life Bobby Riggs. His comical yet menacing take on the character adds depth to the movie. Andrea Riseborough gives a subtle yet impactful performance as Marilyn Barnett, King’s secret lover, while Sarah Silverman brings humor and heart to the character of Gladys Heldman.
The Plot
The plot of “Battle of the Sexes” is well-executed. The film explores not just the tennis match between King and Riggs but also delves into their personal lives, relationships, and struggles. The movie does an excellent job capturing the mood and atmosphere of the time period with its costumes, music, and set design.
History Retold
The historical significance of this match cannot be overstated, and “Battle of the Sexes” does a fantastic job in retelling it for a new generation. The film highlights how this match was more than just a tennis game; it was about equality for women in sports and beyond. It showcases how King’s fight transcended sports and became a catalyst for change in the women’s liberation movement.
Acting and Characters
The acting and characters are the movie’s biggest strengths. Emma Stone’s portrayal of Billie Jean King is authentic, raw, and inspiring. She captures King’s struggles with her sexuality, body image issues, and quest for validation from her peers brilliantly. Steve Carell’s interpretation of Bobby Riggs is equally impressive. His performance brings depth to the character and makes him more than just a caricature of a chauvinistic pig.
The Score and Popularity
The score by Nicholas Britell is remarkable. It elevates the film’s emotional impact and captures the energy of the time period flawlessly. “Battle of the Sexes” was also widely popular among audiences and critics alike, receiving critical acclaim for its storytelling, direction, acting, and social commentary.
Evaluation
Overall, “Battle of the Sexes” is an incredible movie that tells a compelling story about self-discovery, equality, and empowerment. It is an important film that not only honors the legacy of Billie Jean King but also celebrates the progress we have made in the fight for women’s rights. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who loves sports, history, or good storytelling.
Cinematography
The cinematography by Linus Sandgren is stunning. He captures the tennis matches with a sense of urgency and excitement that keeps the audience at the edge of their seats. The film’s use of slow motion and close-ups during key moments adds to its emotional impact.
Opinion
Personally, “Battle of the Sexes” resonated with me on many levels. As a woman and a sports fan, I was inspired by Billie Jean King’s fight for equality and her resilience in the face of adversity. The movie was a reminder that progress often comes at a cost and that we must always be willing to fight for what is right.
Scenes
One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is when Bobby Riggs comes out onto the court wearing a ridiculous outfit, complete with a frilly pink dress and a wig. The scene perfectly captures Riggs’ theatrics and his desire to make a spectacle of himself. Another noteworthy scene is when Billie Jean King confronts her husband, Larry, about her sexuality. Emma Stone’s raw emotion in this scene is breathtaking.
Gossip
There were rumors that Steve Carell was hesitant to take on the role of Bobby Riggs because of the character’s controversial nature. However, he later confirmed that he was excited to play such a complex character and challenge himself as an actor.
Soundtracks
The movie’s soundtrack features 70s classics like “If You Could Read My Mind” by Gordon Lightfoot and “Rocket Man” by Elton John. The songs add to the film’s nostalgic feel and transport us back to that era.
Analysis
From a critical standpoint, “Battle of the Sexes” is a well-crafted movie that effectively tells a story of triumph and progress. The film’s exploration of gender and societal norms is thought-provoking and adds depth to its characters. However, some critics argue that the movie lacks a sense of urgency and that it fails to truly capture the intensity of the match between King and Riggs.
Special Effects
The movie relies heavily on practical effects, especially during the tennis matches. The use of slow motion and reaction shots effectively recreates the intensity of those moments.
Crews
The film was directed by husband-and-wife duo Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, who previously worked together on “Little Miss Sunshine.” Their direction in “Battle of the Sexes” highlights their skill at balancing humor with drama.
Criticism
The movie received criticism from conservative groups who accused it of promoting homosexuality and attacking traditional gender roles. Margaret Court, a former tennis player and prominent Christian cleric, even called for a boycott of the movie.
Production
The film was produced by Fox Searchlight Pictures and was released in September 2017. It was well-received by audiences and went on to gross over $18 million worldwide.
Editing
The movie’s editing by Pamela Martin is impressive. The way she cuts back and forth between King and Riggs’ lives adds depth to their characters and makes their eventual face-off more compelling.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Battle of the Sexes” is an inspiring, thought-provoking, and entertaining movie that retells an important moment in history with skill and heart. Its impressive cast, excellent direction, beautiful cinematography, and powerful score make it a must-watch for anyone who loves movies that challenge societal norms and promote equality.