The Metaphor

Rating: 10/10 (24 September 2011)

Leaning over an introspective Brad Pitt as Billy Beane confesses to his assistant GM Peter played by Jonah Hill, " It doesn't mean anything." Pitt's Billy frames the context if his Oakland A's don't win it all. In the Big Picture, Billy gets it. And so does Director Bennett Miller in "Moneyball". Steven Zaillian ("Searching for Bobby Fisher", "Schindler's List") and Alan Sorkin ("The Social Network") wrote the screenplay based on Michael Lewis's book, "Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game". Bennett's "Moneyball" is about altering the way people think, and the genesis of leadership and greatness. "Moneyball" is one of the best movies of the year. Brad Pitt is awesome.
"Moneyball" recalls the story of the 2002 Oakland A's and their record breaking 20 game win streak, following the gutting of the team due to superstar free agency. The joke is that the A's much like other small venue franchises have become farm teams to the Yankee's, who have a $100 million plus payroll. Unlike other professional sports, the baseball salary cap void is indicative of Lewis's book's title. Brad Pitt plays Oakland A's GM Billy Beane, who was supposed to be baseball's next superstar when recruited back in 1979. Zaillian and Sorkin delicately weave that narrative thread, and Pitt eloquently evokes the regret of unrealized possibility. What makes "Moneyball" so amazing is that it is more than just a baseball movie. Bennett subtly cops to this at the movie's catharsis when Pitt says to Hill, "I get the metaphor." It is about the romance of the game, about forging the greatness in people.
"Moneyball" works because of Brad Pitt. What is refreshing is that he isn't asked to play unattractive here to be taken seriously. In fact he looks great and incredibly lean and fit, at his charming best. Pitt is amazing in communicating in his silence, whether he turning his back to the camera or in one scene as his eyes glaze over as his scouting staff discards a potential prospect, because he has an ugly girl friend—obviously has low confidence. In a radical move Pitt's Billy hires Peter Brand (Jonah Hill) as his assistant, after discerning his critical acumen in a negotiation. Hill lands perfectly with Peter's humble genius and earnestness. Peter is a Yale graduate with a degree in Economics. Peter's revolutionary paradigm is that in baseball you don't buy superstars, you buy wins. More specifically, you buy runs, hits, and walks. Given the $38 million salary of the A's, you are literally creating a team of "misfit toys". Peter's brilliance lies in analyzing the statistics and getting the undervalued talent. Pitt and Hill have amazing chemistry. They are funny together, and their underlying bond is respect. This is part of the touching humanity of "Moneyball".
The other humanizing relationship is Billy with his young daughter Casey (wonderful Kerris Dorsey). Dorsey is the authentic shy teenager. She lives with her Mom, Billy's ex played by Robin Wright. Pitt has a natural fatherly partnership with Dorsey. Pitt has a beguiling charisma that is never overshadowed by kids. Together as Casey sings Billy the song she wrote for him, unpredictable movie magic emerges.
What I found so inspiring about "Moneyball": its soul is about reclaiming one's innate greatness. Billy and Peter acquire 37 year-old David Justice (commanding Stephen Bishop) in the twilight of his career. Pitt has a come to Jesus meeting with the aging superstar. Billy points out that Cleveland was willing to pay half his salary for him to play elsewhere. He admits to Justice that he is also gone if this experiment in Oakland is a bust. Pitt looks him in the eye and says, "Be a leader." This is just awesome stuff. Leaders generate other leaders, and alter the way we view the world. Pitt is amazing. He is uncompromising in his passion and humanity, and he delivers with humor and heart. This is a wonderfully scripted movie by Zaillian and Sorkin. Director Bennett elicits authentic performances from his impeccable cast. On the surface "Moneyball" maybe about getting things on the cheap, but it is really about seeing the best in people. "Moneyball" is more than just about baseball, it's about life. "Moneyball" is one the best movies of the year.