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One
of the first clear childhood memories that I have is that of
visiting my aunt in Los Angeles.
It was my first time on a plane, my first time in a state
that didn’t touch my own and my first taste of the real world
outside my own.
While I was there, my entreprenureal aunt decided to take
advantage of my proficiency at mathematics and memory by teaching
me then “allowing” me to handicap horse races at Santa Anita
Park.
I thought it was fun but really I think I was some kind of
stealth cash cow.
The first time actually saw the product of my numbers and
calculations, my breath was taken away.
There was lush green grass, bright colors, and the most
beautiful, powerful creatures that I’d ever seen, running,
charging and competing their hearts out.
Ever since then, horse racing has held a special place
inside me, and Seabiscuit reinvigorated some of those memories in
a way that no other movie to date has.
Granted, the film, based on a book, runs on a bit longer
than necessary while pulling on the emotions to predictable and
expected results, but carried by strong performances and
execution, Seabiscuit is indeed a memorable experiences and summer
escape.
“Our
horse is too small, our rider is too big, our trainer is too
old..and I’m stupid to know the difference”
The
story of Seabiscuit seems to be a real life fairy-tale straight
from the pages of Aesop or Grimm.
A horse that noone wanted, an owner who felt broken after
seemingly losing everything he had and wanted, a rider who fought
his way, literally and figureatively, through every aspect of his
life and a simple trainer who some considered eccentric and
reclusive; each seemed broken in their own way, separate they were
little more blips on society’s radar, but together, they made
magic.
The movie concurrently tells of Red, the orphan who is
given up by his family after the stock market crash.
He resorts to boxing, riding in Mexico and whatever he can
to get by and maintain his equestrian passion.
Then there is Tom Smith, the throwback to the old fashioned
cowboy living on the prairie until modern progression forces him
into the cities to fend in a new frontier.
Finally there is XXX, an automobile salesman tycoon who
seems to have it all on the outside, but is really a lost broken
soul wandering around looking for answers.
These three lives intersect thanks to Seabiscuit, a
rambunctious colt on the verge of destruction.
He is wild, seemingly untamable, rebellious and the
antithesis of a hero, just like XXX, Tom and Red.
When XXX buys Seabiscuit, hires Tom to train him, and Red
to ride him, the story kicks into full gear and we become
witnesses to the magic of four rebirths all at once
Ultimately,
Seabiscuit is a refreshing story of underdogs overcoming odds and
the power of teamwork, belief and a united passion.
In this summer of grandiose explosions, flashy effects and
big budget retreads, Seabiscuit is a welcome change of pace
indeed.
It is a feel good story that tends to step over the lines
at times, not knowing when to ease off the whip and cruise into
the finish.
But the slow and overdone start and the extended finish
cannot damper the mood, spirit and power of the performances and
delivery of the story.
The parallels with these broken lives and a country trying
to heal itself is the perfect method for the telling of this great
American story which in this time of strife, unrest and confusion,
may just unite a nation once again as the real events did.
Agree?
Disagree, Questions? Comments?
Tell Me Here
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