George Clooney’s latest directorial venture, “The Boys in the Boat,” navigates the historical waters of the University of Washington men’s eight rowing team as they strive for glory in the 1936 Olympics. Starring Callum Turner as Joe Rantz and Joel Edgerton as coach Al Ulbrickson, the film attempts to tell a compelling story against the backdrop of pre-World War II sports history.
Plot and Characters: A Journey to Olympic Glory
The narrative centers on Joe Rantz, a down-on-his-luck student who finds solace and purpose in rowing. The film sheds light on the challenges faced by the University of Washington rowing team, culminating in their journey to the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. The story unfolds through a script that simplifies Daniel James Brown’s non-fiction novel, presenting it as a palatable sports biopic.
The film introduces interesting historical elements, such as the 1930s economic struggles and the presence of Adolf Hitler and Jesse Owens at the 1936 Olympics. However, these elements are not explored deeply, leaving the viewer yearning for a more profound connection to the era’s significant events.
Strengths: Authenticity in Rowing Sequences and Historical Accuracy
One notable strength lies in the authenticity of the rowing sequences. Real boat club members were cast, adding a genuine touch to the portrayal of rowing that makes these scenes genuinely exciting. George Clooney’s attention to detail in framing rowing sequences is commendable, capturing the sport’s essence with various shots, including overhead views, crane shots, and close-ups.
The film also benefits from a strong musical score by Alexandre Desplat, which enhances the drama in the rowing moments. The inclusion of real rowers and the commitment to era-appropriate details contribute to the film’s overall authenticity.
Weaknesses: Standard Direction, Lack of Character Depth
Despite its strengths, the film falters in its direction. Clooney’s approach is criticized for being too standard, lacking the innovation needed to elevate the film beyond a routine sports drama. The characters, particularly Joe Rantz and Coach Ulbrickson, are confined to stereotypical archetypes of the sports biopic genre. Little room is given for character growth, and Joe Rantz’s portrayal as a somewhat dull protagonist dampens the overall engagement.
The pacing of the film is another area of concern, with the historical context awkwardly integrated without delving into the nuanced exploration that could have enriched the narrative. The film’s treatment of significant historical figures like Hitler and Owens feels superficial, overshadowed by the routine sports drama.
Technical Aspects: Rowing Realism and Lackluster Direction
From a technical perspective, the film shines in its portrayal of rowing realism. The combination of authentic rowers, varied camera angles, and a compelling musical score creates an immersive rowing experience. However, the repetitiveness of the shots diminishes the intensity over time, revealing a lack of innovation in Clooney’s direction.
The attention to era-appropriate details is evident, particularly in the climax, where a makeshift photo processing room adds a touch of authenticity. Despite these technical merits, the film falls short of delivering the excitement and intrigue necessary for a sports biopic.
Loo Break and Watchability: A Mundane Escape
The film offers a lighthearted moment for a loo break, featuring a scene where Joe is invited to a girl’s room. However, this subplot adds little to the overall development of the characters or the storyline. The lack of excitement or intrigue in the true story raises questions about the film’s watchability. “The Boys in the Boat” fails to generate sufficient interest for those not already captivated by men’s rowing.
The Last Word: Vanilla Treatment of a Harrowing Story
In conclusion, “The Boys in the Boat” undertakes the harrowing journey of America’s best rowing story but delivers it with a vanilla treatment. George Clooney’s direction, though technically sound, lacks the spark needed to transform the film into a memorable sports biopic. While the rowing sequences and historical elements contribute authenticity, the film struggles to infuse heart and thrills into a story that remains overly simplistic. Ultimately, it stands as a standard sports biopic that may appeal primarily to enthusiasts of men’s rowing.
