Pretty Movie, Lovely Story

Rating: Null/10 (1 January 2004)

A few months before I saw this feature, I watched a PBS documentary (American Experience, I think it was) about this remarkable horse (and the people who recognized his potential), and it was one of the most moving hours I've ever spent. I couldn't help but think, "If a screenwriter had invented this stuff, no one would have bought it for a second." Well, truth is sometimes stranger than fiction, and unless you're completely hollow, I don't see how you can fail to be moved by the story this film tells. That said, I honestly can't say whether my viewing of that documentary enhanced my enjoyment of SEABISCUIT, or detracted from it. I found myself reacting emotionally to events before they were presented, simply because I knew they were coming.
I suppose mythology, by definition, can't be fact; this story is nevertheless given the same "mythic" treatment as THE NATURAL (right down to the Randy Newman score). Gary Ross is a very thoughtful director (obvious from his commentary on the DVD supplements), and has sound reasons for the choices he makes here. Though this story may deserve such treatment, I wonder if - this being factual rather than fictional - it isn't a bit of overkill.
Don't get me wrong: it's a beautiful, well-crafted and thoroughly enjoyable picture. Ross' use of narration (by David McCullough: perfect) and putting events in historical context (as in a documentary) are excellent devices. Toby Maguire continues to demonstrate his range and versatility, Jeff Bridges gives the kind of solid performance we've come to depend on from him and, speaking of versatility, Chris Cooper is a standout; at times, he seems almost to be channeling Richard Farnsworth (and this is in no way meant as a criticism).
Aside from my questioning if the style of this film was the best way in which to present this story (and that's all it is; a question), the only real quibble I have with SEABISCUIT is the portrayal of the horse as an object, rather than a character. I don't mean in the sense of the kind of anthropomorphizing of Lassie or Flicka, but in the lack of being given the same emotional access to the horse as we are to the humans. Sure, we're shown behavioral traits and such, but we just don't get to connect with Seabiscuit in the same way we do with Howard, Smith or Pollard. And, believe me, this horse (as I learned from the PBS documentary) had character!
But I nitpick. It really is a great movie. It's just that it might have been a really great movie. Nevertheless, set aside your cynicism, remember that the basic events are true, and allow yourself to get choked up at all the appropriate moments.