A Pretty Historical Reenactment

Rating: Null/10 (14 September 2003)

"Seabiscuit" is a beautiful looking movie, but ultimately feels like a tableau reenactment. The only element not static is the frequent, of course, horse races, which I zoned out of with repetition and slo mo's.

With David McCullough's narration and integration of black & white photos of the period, it feels like an extended version of the hour-long "American Experience" episode on PBS, which also included excellent interviews with book author Laura Hillenbrand, whose book I have not yet read.

Every emotion is visually telegraphed then repeated with writer/director Gary Ross's script. For example, at the moment before jockey Red Pollard (Tobey Maguire) is introduced to the horse, we see trainer Tom Smith (Chris Cooper) look at Seabiscuit reared up fighting against stable boys and see him comparing that to Red fighting off attacks from fellow jockeys. Then again. And again -- hey, we got it, they share something, thanks. And, oh yeah, they need each other.
The opening panorama as we are quickly introduced to the background of each character, and the final section when each rises to deal with calamity are the most moving.
While it looks like all the period recreation is authentic, the sets and people seem to be playing more dress-up than fully realized people, though Maguire puts some liveliness into his portrayal.
Real life jockey Gary Stevens was quite good, though the guy behind me, who offered commentary throughout the film, kept complaining that there was no way the jockeys could be having those extended conversations during the races.
Yes, you'll tear up, as every melodramatic element in this story is hammered home, supported by Randy Newman's uncharacteristically maudlin and incessant score.