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although i can't say i'm looking forward to the movie, i like the excess of mud and the lack of tobey maguire's face. well done resisting the temptation, universal.
edit: thanks macg
Grapevine material. Poster is ok. I think I may enjoy this movie but have little expectations as it being serious work. I keep on thinking of Antoine Fisher when thinking of this movie.
~rougerum
i feel sorry for the poor design sap who got stuck with lassooing all those little bits of mud from the background to have a black background
Very criterionesque
I haven't read the book, but I saw a pretty interesting Doc on PBS recently and I think it could make a good movie... we'll see.
Quote from: the ghost of sphinxi feel sorry for the poor design sap who got stuck with lassooing all those little bits of mud from the background to have a black background
I'm guessing the mud was added later...
The movie looks interesting... reminds me of "Rudy" in a way... Rudy meets "Mr. Ed". :P
Nick
I saw this last night. On the film it was trying to be, I thought it was great. It was all around quality filmmaking of trying to capture that feeling of cinematic nostalgia of an exciting and heartwarming story. Ala The Natural and many others. There is too much talent in the acting and filmmaking to deny this movie. Everything in the film was shot with purpose, especially the racing scenes which were executed perfectly to not only capture the excitement, but push the story in perfect ways. It feels like this movie may be a classic like The Shawshank Redemption did. My only major problem with the movie was the news reel and voice over footage that tried to tie the movie into the major things affecting the United States and purposely say the movie was a nostalgistic one. It didn't need to do that, the story itself identified its nostalgia. They just felt too over reaching.
~rougerum
I wonder if this will do for horse racing, what fight club did for fighting (or any number of popular movies have done for the hobby/sport/theme they present).
Nick
a good sports movie but I didn't really care for the first one third of the movie, with all that jeff bridges backstory. I really thought jeff bridges' character shoulda been a minor one. when I watch a sports underdog movie, I wanna watch the underdog--the jockey, the horse, the trainer...etc., because they're devoted, interesting characters. for god's sake, not the rich guy who funds them.
I also didn't care for all of them ken burns moments where the narrator tries to tie this in to the larger picture of american history, with the great depression and whatnot. that was just trying too hard, almost as hard as spellbound. if the story were american, then you'd be able to feel it without some kinda contrived poetry with black and white photos. for example, o brother where art thou had none of that.
the "subplot" involving the jockey is great though. I enjoy sports movies.
Quote from: TheVoiceOfNickI wonder if this will do for horse racing, what fight club did for fightingNick
you never know how these things will pan out. maybe Seabiscuit will do for fighting what Fight Club did for horse racing?
what did fight club do for fighting?
Quote from: petewhat did fight club do for fighting?
It brought it to the level of horse racing...
aw
I thought the film was decent, but not great. It was too sentimental and sappy.
Quote from: filmcriticI thought the film was decent, but not great. It was too sentimental and sappy.
Which film?
Fight Club or
Buttermilk? I mean,
Oceanbread. I mean,
Seadinnerrolls. I mean-- oh, nevermind... :roll:
No, "Seabiscuit". "Fight Club" was anything but sentimental.
C'mon filmcritic. Will you please get one joke? Please?
I can take it. :lol:
I wanna fuck you in the ass, filmcritic
Hey, hey, trem, calm down, pervert!
Quote from: tremoloslothI wanna fuck you in the ass, filmcritic
Tobey wants your phone number, trem...
Quote from: filmcriticHey, hey, trem, calm down, pervert!
Quote from: PawbloeC'mon filmcritic. Will you please get one joke? Please?
Definite candidate for one of the best films of the year.
Wonderful movie. Loved how it ever so often would set the mood and update us on that time in America to relay what was going on in the country and why people were so caught up in this horse and it's story. Superbly acted by Jeff Bridges (extending his "Tucker" performance), Chris Cooper and Tobey Maguire, conveying the emotions of why their characters all needed each other. The horse racing scenes were shot and edited beautifully. Gary Ross, once again, has written and directed another great nostalgic piece.
I hate how misleading trailers are. I haven't seen the movie, but I know it's probably not an action film...but it tends to pack in all the excitement like a b-rate action film in all the tarilers i've seen for it.
Quote from: MacGuffinSuperbly acted by Jeff Bridges (extending his "Tucker" performance)
fucking bravo to that. i love jeff bridges. this movie was very, very good. i actually didn't mind the narration at all. it was in the same vein as "A River Runs Through It" which is one of my favorites.
I'm glad to see the return of this genre.
Saw Jeff Bridges on Leno last night, the late night version that reruns episodes from the previous week. It's always great seeing Bridges, and what gets me about his acting chops is how well he was able to pull off the Lebowski role. He really is one of those chameleon-esque actors, but now, whenever I see him in something and hear his voice, I'll hear the Dude in the back of my head.
Leno said Seabiscuit was definitely one of the best movies of the year, and Oscar material. And while Leno is not a film critic, he does generally know what's good. Ebert seems to like it as well. (***½ from him) I don't know if it's one of the best movies of the year; I don't know if a movie about a horse could ever be that. But all those things definitely make me want to see it a bit more than before.
quick review. finally saw this yesterday in my horses and old stuff double feature (with Open Range.) i liked this one a lot. i dont have a lot of interest in horses and such, (unless they're being rode on by cowboys shooting each other), but this really told a great story. had a good cast, doing good work. i liked how when the horse was finally introduced they cut away to his backstory. it was funny. and also how the movie was building up to the big racee with that other horse, and thats where a normal movie would've ended. but since there was more to tell, it kept going and they actually got better and won another race. thats pretty incredible. there have been some complaints that its too sentimental, and i can see that its not for everybody, but i liked it. :yabbse-thumbup:
Quote from: Walrus, KooKookajoobI hate how misleading trailers are. I haven't seen the movie, but I know it's probably not an action film...but it tends to pack in all the excitement like a b-rate action film in all the tarilers i've seen for it.
Yeah, but you can't blame the movie for that. It's just typical shitty American marketing. Exact same thing for the trailer for Russell Crowe's new pirate movie when I saw Seabiscuit tonight. This is fucking Peter Weir and I'm damn sure they could've toned down the action in this trailer. But, such is life.
Anyway, I enjoyed Seabiscuit thoroughly. The acting was great on everybody's part, and I laughed so hard over William H. Macy. I enjoyed him the most for his small role and Cooper again stole the movie. Somebody mentioned that Bridges' backstory shouldn't have been there but I disagree completely. I felt a helluva lot more for him as a person when the reaction shots went to him during the races. I didn't look at him as the car salesman. I looked at him as a man with a huge heart with such a troubled past that I could see that this was like him watching his only pride and joy race to victory. The thing I didn't like was the first.. 20 minutes or so. I felt that everything was VERY rushed. If you watch the first 30 minutes again you'll see that the dialogue makes you quite unsettling with how it hurries to 'present day'. All in all though, a wonderful and thrilling movie that SHOULD be nominated for Best Picture with Cooper for Best Supporting but who knows what'll happen. Four hooves up.
I was wondering what the differences are between the book and the movie. Can someone please tell me how they compare? Are they pretty much the same?
Well, besides the blatent athiestic undertones in the book, it's a good read. The relationship between the Tobey Maguire character and the horse is of course non-sexual, but Hillenbrand adds as many erotic and sensual adjectives as he can when describing the horse races, you cannot help but be turned on. The book is extremely sexually charged in a way, but it also takes a stand on the injustices on the middle east. I wouldn't let your kids read it, because of the homoerotic metaphors and athiestic monologue, but if you read it with an open mind, you will enjoy it. Unfortunately, the film didn't pick up on Hillenbrand's metaphors, instead it focused on the superficial, cliche, "feel-good" narrative of the novel. If only Gary Ross knew what the book was really about. You see all these religious pricks blaming Mel Gibson for jew-hate, but they have nothing against this book. A huge double standard if you ask me.
I wonder what the general consensus on the film would've been if they kept in the sexual undertones from the novel. Personally, I would've enjoyed that originality but I think it might've taken away from the film.. if it was subtle enough, I think it would've been fine. Hm.
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the disc, with the fantastic artwork in tact, is expected to arrive on December 16th, although that could change.
Warner Home Video has just announced a December 16thb DVD release for the horse racing epic, Seabiscuit, which will be presented in separate anamorphic widescreen and full screen versions, each with a Dolby Digital 5.1 surround track, audio commentary with director Gary Ross and filmmaker Steven Soderbergh, the "Bringing the Legend to Life: The Making of Seabiscuit;" "Anatomy of a Movie Moment" and "Seabiscuit: Racing Through History" featurettes, a special "Photo Finish: Jeff Bridges' On Set Photographs" still gallery and trailers. Retail is $27.95.
Warner will also release a special gift box containing the above plus The Story of Seabiscuit: The American Experience DVD, a behind-the-scenes making-of book, a card set, bookmark and senitype. Retail is $59.95.
Why's everyone hatin' on the 'Biscuit? Maybe film-snobbery is the culprit, as it was the reason I never saw it until yesterday. I admit, I had little interest in seeing the film (thought it would be corny, sappy, etc.), but the Oscar support and the defense by MacG and others prompted a rental...
...And boy, I'm glad I did. It really is a tremendous film, perfectly executed on every level. I could gush for hours (and I was prepared to not like the movie!), but I'll spare the ass-kissing for now.
Favorite moment: the stones of Ross to cut to the photos during the beginning of the match race. A wonderful touch. Or maybe it's the final race... or maybe it's Red's abandonment as a child... or the way the car accident is handled... or the Macy scenes... or when Cooper realizes who should be the jockey... or-- christ, it's all just great.
This is the first time in nearly a decade that I haven't seen one of the best picture nominees. I really need to finally bite the bullet and watch this, because I know I'll probably love it.
Quote from: Weak2ndActWhy's everyone hatin' on the 'Biscuit? Maybe film-snobbery is the culprit, as it was the reason I never saw it until yesterday. I admit, I had little interest in seeing the film (thought it would be corny, sappy, etc.), but the Oscar support and the defense by MacG and others prompted a rental...
...And boy, I'm glad I did. It really is a tremendous film, perfectly executed on every level. I could gush for hours (and I was prepared to not like the movie!), but I'll spare the ass-kissing for now.
Favorite moment: the stones of Ross to cut to the photos during the beginning of the match race. A wonderful touch. Or maybe it's the final race... or maybe it's Red's abandonment as a child... or the way the car accident is handled... or the Macy scenes... or when Cooper realizes who should be the jockey... or-- christ, it's all just great.
My new best friend. :kiss:
Weak, you have to listen to the commentary track. Ross and Soderberg make for a great listen.
My bro accidentally bought me the full screen version (with book) for Christmas. Based on all these positive vibes, though, I definitely want to check this out when I get a chance. I mean, a film with Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper, Tobey Maguire, and William H. Macy can't be all bad.
Gary Ross is great... I'm just afraid to see this movie because it's been hyped to death and politically deformed.
Quote from: MacGuffinWeak, you have to listen to the commentary track. Ross and Soderberg make for a great listen.
Already did, it was quite nice. Sodebergh is officially my favorite dvd commentator, as guest or director.
It didn't take that long to get through all the extras. Is the 2 disc set the one to buy? I see there's extra doc's and stuff on there.
why is soderbergh on the commentary? (sorry if this has already been posted/answered and i just missed it)
Quote from: ©bradwhy is soderbergh on the commentary? (sorry if this has already been posted/answered and i just missed it)
He and Ross are friends since Soderberg produced "Pleasantville".
Quote from: Weak2ndActIs the 2 disc set the one to buy? I see there's extra doc's and stuff on there.
If you're into all the extras and stuff (nice photo booklet, film frame from the film, etc.). I am.
Well I finally saw it, mostly out of guilt. Unfortunately, I think I like it even less than I thought I would. :(
The narration... distracting, pompous, and cheap.
I was expecting so much more visually. The poster looks more intruiging than anything I saw in the movie. Michael Mann or Oliver Stone should have directed.
I'm sure the whole experience was more convincing in the theater. I just couldn't get into it. I constantly felt manipulated... and the miraculously unoriginal music didn't help.
Tobey Maguire was wrong for the pissed off kid role. It was ironic, but he mostly looked like he was struggling to pull it off.
Quote from: Jeremy BlackmanI'm sure the whole experience was more convincing in the theater. I just couldn't get into it. I constantly felt manipulated... and the miraculously unoriginal music didn't help.
i dont get it. what is manipulated? how does a movie maniuplate one? either you watch and it makes you feel something or it doesnt? arent all movies manipulating? (i'm being serious because i notice this term come up a lot and it never really makes much sense to me.)
Quote from: themodernage02i dont get it. what is manipulated? how does a movie maniuplate one? either you watch and it makes you feel something or it doesnt? arent all movies manipulating? (i'm being serious because i notice this term come up a lot and it never really makes much sense to me.)
If you've seen a movie where the score is invasive, you'd understand exactly what he's talking about. Having not seen Seabiscuit yet, I can't speak for that movie exactly, but I can think of a few ways beside music that movies can manipulate. They reside mostly in the dialogue. When dialogue develops plot, that is manipulative. When it reiterates what the viewer can already discern, or when it tells you how to feel about a character or situation, that is manipulative. And I'm guessing that is the biggest gripe there. Great movies let you make up your mind on your own as to how you feel about them. They don't scream through their score, dialogue, or other devices, "oh, please like me!"
yeah but arent all movies manipulative on some level? like, any movie that has a twist ending? or any movie where a likable character dies? or any movie that makes you feel anything? isnt that essentially manipulating you to feel one way? like, who cares? shouldnt there be both kinds of movies? ambiguous movies and straight ones? i mean, i see if one kind isnt your thing. but its not as if there isnt an art in doing either. why is making something that might make the viewer feel nothing more sophisticated than something that makes you happy or sad? like isnt 21 grams, my left foot, in america, all manipulating you in one way or another?
Quote from: themodernage02like isnt 21 grams, my left foot, in america, all manipulating you in one way or another?
Isn't Triumph of the Will manipulating in one way or another?
Of course all movies manipulate. The difference is that I felt manipulated. Coldly manipulated. The more conventional/cliché/formulaic it is, the more on the surface it is, the less subconscious it is, the more you feel the manipulation. If it's a device that has been used forever in the same way, you can see it, you can recognize it, and you resent it.
Quote from: Jeremy BlackmanOf course all movies manipulate. The difference is that I felt manipulated. Coldly manipulated. The more conventional/cliché/formulaic it is, the more on the surface it is, the less subconscious it is, the more you feel the manipulation. If it's a device that has been used forever in the same way, you can see it, you can recognize it, and you resent it.
I felt the same way about this movie- very Hallmark Presentation. Maybe I'll enjoy it more in its proper context when they re-broadcast it on the PAX network, but it was so not worth my movie ticket price.
Anyone want to buy a copy of Seabiscuit (Full Screen) with the novel included? Never opened. I posted it on e-bay but, I'd be willing to let it go to someone here for a lower price. PM me if interested, shoot me an offer, and we'll talk.
Quote from: OnomatopoeiaAnyone want to buy a copy of Seabiscuit (Full Screen) with the novel included? Never opened. I posted it on e-bay but, I'd be willing to let it go to someone here for a lower price. PM me if interested, shoot me an offer, and we'll talk.
A rejected Christmas present?
Haha, yes. Two out of three from my brother ain't bad, though (he got me Rushmore and Finding Nemo, too). It's not that I don't like Seabiscuit or anything. Haven't even seen it. I'd just rather see it wide screen (as I assume everyone else here would, too), and there's a sweet two-disc special edition out I'd rather have anyway.
SPOILER ALERT! Quote from: themodernage02yeah but arent all movies manipulative on some level? like, any movie that has a twist ending? or any movie where a likable character dies?
Like when Steven Seagal dies early on in EXECUTIVE DECISION. Oh wait...you said likeable. :oops:
so I FINALLY saw this film. When it was in the theatres, I could get no one to go with me. I don't know why I just don't learn to go to a theatre by myself.
Anyways, this movie would work perfectly in 1940s Hollywood. It's a perfect example of Holywood Cause & Effect. And just like the Hollywood movies of the 40s work today, this movie works today. It was really, really good. A pretty much flawless film. I'm not saying it was the best or my favorite movie of the year but I can find nothing wrong with it (ie Casablanca or Wizard of Oz). Extremely enjoyable, the film drew me in and kept me in for the entire running time. Just an exellent, top notch film.
I'm still hoping Lost in Translation wins Best Picture, but if it doesn't...Go Seabiscuit!
Quote from: SHAFTRI'm still hoping Lost in Translation wins Best Picture, but if it doesn't...Go Seabiscuit!
It's sad because both movies are long shots to winning. Lost in Translation has a better chance than Seabiscuit, though. Seabiscuit was just the filler for Best Picture.
lost in translation doesnt have a snowflakes chance in HELL at best picture.