Some stories awaken what is best in the human being, inspiring us to overcome our limits and teaching us to believe in our dreams and never give up. This is the case of the film Eddie the Eagle, based on the true story of the English Michael Edwards, better known as Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards, who since childhood had a dream to participate in the Olympic Games. Without being from a rich family, gangling, having to deal with knee problems for much of his childhood and having to wear glasses because he was nearsighted, his chances of participating in the Olympics was minimal. After trying unsuccessfully various types of sports throughout his childhood and adolescence, Eddie decides to venture into downhill, selecting the 1988 Winter Olympics as his goal. After a disastrous presentation to some sponsors, he is cut from the British Olympic ski team. Heartbroken and about to give up, Eddie bet in ski jump as his last chance to reach his dream.
Cinema is full of motivational movies involving sport. We can cite:
Eddie the Eagle's script is all written around the protagonist, played in his childhood and adolescence by brothers Tom and Jack Costello, respectively, and in his adulthood by the charismatic Taron Egerton (known for Kingsman: The Secret Service - 2014). Egerton acting may seem forced, but when confronted with the real Eddie Edwards we realized that he perfectly embodied all twitches that the character demanded. Eddie is the typical anti-hero: with an appearance that nothing resembles the figure of the classic hero, with his nerd, weirdo and gawky way, having worn glasses for life and a device in the legs as a child, which obligatory relate to the movie Forrest Gump (1994), he is the typical underdog. And this is perhaps the biggest hit of the film: deal with our prejudices and with the standards imposed by society.
When taking contact with Eddie, any viewer would believe he could do something relevant? But throughout the film, as we are introduced to a young man who despite the physical problems that could be used as an excuse, is determined and sure of himself, naive and dreamy, our perceptions and interpretations of the protagonist are put to the test. That different and strange guy could indeed make a difference.
The cast was well chosen. Eddie's mother, Janette, played by Jo Hartley (known for Dead Man's Shoes - 2004) is responsible for supporting and encouraging her child's dreams, while the father, Terry, interpreted by Keith Allen (known for Trainspotting - 1996) is the counterpoint, reminding Eddie of the difficulties and wanting his son to follow his footsteps by working in construction. Bronson Peary, the problematic sportsman, which is already a cliché in this type of film, is played by Hugh Jackman (always remembered for his portrayal of Logan character in the X-Men franchise). The commentator of the BBC, interpreted by Jim Broadbent (known for Iris - 2001), provides good funny moments.
The director who is also an actor, Dexter Fletcher (starred in Kick-Ass - 2010), used humor to soften the story. Despite the great photography, the film uses too much clichés and shows some unnecessary scenes. Fletcher could have further explored the action scenes (the ski jumping) and he didn't put Eddie's postscript (what Eddie did next) at the end of the movie. The script made some adjustments in the real story for the sake of a good narrative, and the modifications are portrayed (with spoilers) here and in this review. The soundtrack fits well in the film, conveying the necessary emotion at different times, whether action, drama or suspense. The music called Jump, by Van Halen, was used as an analogy to the practiced sport: ski jump.
Eddie the Eagle is a film about overcoming oneself with a cheerful and fun tone, rescuing social values long lost in society. At a time when having is more important than being, in which win, whether in sports, business or any other situation imposed by life, is more important than compete, we need to relearn that what is important is not the destination, but the journey.
Original title: Eddie the Eagle
Director: Dexter Fletcher
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1083452/
- Mixed martial arts: Warrior (2011);
- Athletics: Chariots of Fire (1981), Unbroken (2014) and McFarland, USA (2015);
- Auto racing: the documentary Senna (2010);
- Basketball: Hoosiers (1986);
- Baseball: The Natural (1984), Moneyball (2011) and 42 (2013);
- Bobsled: Cool Runnings (1993);
- Boxing: Rocky (1976), Million Dollar Baby (2004), Cinderella Man (2005) and The Fighter (2010);
- Cycling: Breaking Away (1979);
- Horse race: Seabiscuit (2003);
- American football: Rudy (1993), Remember the Titans (2000) and The Blind Side (2009);
- Artistic gymnastics: Peaceful Warrior (2010);
- Ice hockey: Miracle (2004);
- Marathon: Atletu - The Athlete (2009);
- Motorcycling: The World's Fastest Indian (2005);
- Swimming: Swimming Upstream (2003);
- Rugby: Invictus (2009);
- Diving: Breaking the Surface: The Greg Louganis Story (1997);
- Taekwondo: Best of the Best (1989).
Eddie the Eagle's script is all written around the protagonist, played in his childhood and adolescence by brothers Tom and Jack Costello, respectively, and in his adulthood by the charismatic Taron Egerton (known for Kingsman: The Secret Service - 2014). Egerton acting may seem forced, but when confronted with the real Eddie Edwards we realized that he perfectly embodied all twitches that the character demanded. Eddie is the typical anti-hero: with an appearance that nothing resembles the figure of the classic hero, with his nerd, weirdo and gawky way, having worn glasses for life and a device in the legs as a child, which obligatory relate to the movie Forrest Gump (1994), he is the typical underdog. And this is perhaps the biggest hit of the film: deal with our prejudices and with the standards imposed by society.
When taking contact with Eddie, any viewer would believe he could do something relevant? But throughout the film, as we are introduced to a young man who despite the physical problems that could be used as an excuse, is determined and sure of himself, naive and dreamy, our perceptions and interpretations of the protagonist are put to the test. That different and strange guy could indeed make a difference.
The cast was well chosen. Eddie's mother, Janette, played by Jo Hartley (known for Dead Man's Shoes - 2004) is responsible for supporting and encouraging her child's dreams, while the father, Terry, interpreted by Keith Allen (known for Trainspotting - 1996) is the counterpoint, reminding Eddie of the difficulties and wanting his son to follow his footsteps by working in construction. Bronson Peary, the problematic sportsman, which is already a cliché in this type of film, is played by Hugh Jackman (always remembered for his portrayal of Logan character in the X-Men franchise). The commentator of the BBC, interpreted by Jim Broadbent (known for Iris - 2001), provides good funny moments.
The director who is also an actor, Dexter Fletcher (starred in Kick-Ass - 2010), used humor to soften the story. Despite the great photography, the film uses too much clichés and shows some unnecessary scenes. Fletcher could have further explored the action scenes (the ski jumping) and he didn't put Eddie's postscript (what Eddie did next) at the end of the movie. The script made some adjustments in the real story for the sake of a good narrative, and the modifications are portrayed (with spoilers) here and in this review. The soundtrack fits well in the film, conveying the necessary emotion at different times, whether action, drama or suspense. The music called Jump, by Van Halen, was used as an analogy to the practiced sport: ski jump.
Eddie the Eagle is a film about overcoming oneself with a cheerful and fun tone, rescuing social values long lost in society. At a time when having is more important than being, in which win, whether in sports, business or any other situation imposed by life, is more important than compete, we need to relearn that what is important is not the destination, but the journey.
Original title: Eddie the Eagle
Director: Dexter Fletcher
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1083452/
Postar um comentário