I, Tonya

Rating: 8/10 (2 February 2018)

I, Tonya: Directed by Craig Gilliespie and written by Steven Rogers.
A biopic where the influence of Martin Scorsese is felt throughout every frame about disgraced figure skater Tonya Harding. The camera never stops moving. It doesn't make you ill as the gliding is smooth. The characters talk to the camera and it moves in and out of rooms. Music underlines scenes perfectly. It is easily the best Martin Scorsese style movie not made by Martin Scorsese.
It brings you right into her story and you follow her as she trains and grows up. It works because of the performances. You're not seeing these actors. You see the people they represent. Their trials and tribulations are believable. It is showing a system set up baring down on Tonya from the very beginning. She wants to be who she is while competing in figure skating. People keep trying to change her to fit this mold that is uncomfortable for her as a person. At the same time, there is abuse flying in from all corners of her world. Her mother, the judges and especially and perhaps most brutally from her husband. He is the crux that brings about her downfall.
She without a doubt pays for his sins over and over again. In order to make himself feel bigger and better, he resorts to physical abuse. She is a great skater. She has something in her life that makes her part of this upper echeleon of performers. He has none of that. He is a bit of a dim bulb. You really feel for her and what she goes through. It also makes you furious in a hindsight is 20/20 sort of way. She's smart and determined and dedicated. She should be able to leave all this insanity behind. Alas though she can not. Her mother is the first and final nail in the coffin for this woman.
It is just a very well made film. It moves quickly and with purpose. It's funny in many ways that it probably shouldn't be. It is a solid movie. I give this film a B.