Moneyball 2011 (Movie Review)

Dir: Bennett Miller

Starring: Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill

Dur: 2 hrs 12 mins  

Genre: Sports, Drama, Biography

Rating: 4/5

PG: Expletives, a good deal of them.

Biopics don’t bore me and Moneyball is one. Many people, especially younger ones are less likely to appreciate such films for a variety of reasons. For many others, including the people I watched Moneyball with, it was a total waste of time; there was no excitement, drama, romance or action. It was about baseball, something not many are familiar with in India. Then, we spend a lot of time staring at silent, pensive faces. This can be quite unnerving. The silence is palpable, it has a unique pull that kind of urges you to get into the mind of the character, feel what he feels, see what he sees and think what he is thinking (that doesn’t sound so attractive at least not when your used to having someone else do all that for you). Thirdly, the dialogues are relatively few (but they contribute to the overall narration and carry the spirit of the film, like the bored one’s care!).

Frankly, I’m never bored in biopics because the story, no matter what, is based on true events and life is not always as dramatic or romantic as fiction. At least, it’s true! And that’s what makes all the difference for me. The best fiction is never quite comparable to even a dull biopic.

Another reason why I like biopics is because they inspire me. Watching the often moving stories of people; watching them progress from failure to success; beating odds to chase their dreams, are all reminders to me that “Life is difficult” and success doesn’t come easy. Another reason I liked Moneyball is because it’s about a failure who achieved what no one thought could be achieved and who yet remained an obscure name in history because he didn’t do what he did with a world-famous team, even though he was offered the chance; He did it with underdogs and rejects. Brad Pitt plays this man, Billy Beane, a failed baseball player and a seemingly crazy coach. He plays the part well and finds good support in Jonah Hill, who plays his secretary.

I admit, things progress slowly and a lot of time is wasted watching people sit around, talk, be silent; a number of scenes show Billy just driving around; there’s an unnecessary scene with his daughter that doesn’t really influence the story in anyway, but since it’s his life their showing, I’ve got no reason to complain.

Biopics don’t always end well and this is one of those. It ends with an unexpected twist and a message of inspiration. The film has great lessons to teach provided you’re willing to sit through it attentively.