Film No. 92 (2023) THE BOYS IN THE BOAT. 4th Dec.

 

Film No. 92  (2023)  December 4th.  6:45 PM  HOYTS CINEMAS,  VMAX Cine 1,  Karrinyup.

"Yeah the rowing team. You get a part-time job. A place to live. It'll tide you over" (Joe's mate Roger give him a "heads up" on how he might find a way to pay for his studies, and a way of life).

WINNER: The Truly Moving Picture Award (George Clooney) Heartland Film Awards.

 

THE BOYS IN THE BOAT (TBITB) is the story of 9 rag-tag young men who vie for a chance to row for their state, (Washington) post the depression of 1936. They want to row so they might have some cash plus board to tide them over through studies and unemployment, and in good feel-good form, become good enough to represent the U.S. at the Berlin Olympics.  

Adapted from the Daniel James Brown book of the same name, recreating one of the U.S.'s great underdog sports stories, TBITB has been on George Clooney's mind for some time. Brown must have been chuffed to receive a cheque for the rights to his story, particularly considering Clooney's signature was attached. Clooney acts in blockbusters (Ocean's stuff) so he can make pet projects like GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK and THE MONUMENT MEN. THE BOYS IN THE BOAT is another project, and for me, it is more in the realms of the disappointing MONUMENT than the brilliant GOOD NIGHT. 

Disney masterminded a formula for film making which can be best described as viewer friendly, SECRETARIAT and THE FINEST HOURS are fine examples. Amazing underdog stories, handsomely told with truths manipulated to suit the imaginations of screenwriters. TBITB follows this formula. It is spectacularly shot but characters key to Brown's story, in particular Joe Rantz (Callum Turner) and coach Al Ulbrickson (Joel Edgerton) while prominently portrayed on screen, there is a lack of depth in uncovering their real deeds and achievements. 

I'm currently reading Brown's book. It is a riveting read. The fact Rantz begins his journey to rowing immortality in 1933, a full three years prior to the Olympics is a story in itself. Strangely, Clooney begins the story in 1936. The year of the Berlin games. The story has been adjusted for no apparent reason. Brown has a credit for writing the screenplay. Strange! 

Rowing clubs, school teams and sports history buffs are going to love THE BOYS IN THE BOAT. It is a slick, well made film with a series of clean cut performances. Cinephiles looking for grit, depth and an original narrative strand will be disappointed.  8GUMS.