Sports Metaphors and Mystique

Rating: 6/10 (1 September 2001)

Robert Redford seems to have a thing about sports. It's more than just a game to him, but rather some sort of portal seeking the essence of what life has to offer.
In "Downhill Racer" (1969) actor Redford engaged the craft of skiing to achieve metaphysical heights; in "A River Runs Through It" (1998) director Redford likened the activity of fly fishing to something of a profoundly spiritual nature; now in "The Legend of Bagger Vance" producer director Redford discovers the secret of overcoming adversity through the challenge of golf an ultimate peak experience.
While it's pretty hard to fathom where hurling one's self down a ski slope as being akin to a state of grace, or where killing fish enhances one's spirituality, in "Beggar Vance" finding one's "authentic stroke" makes more sense in aligning it to discovering the secret of mastery.

The story's idea that seeking perfection in sports can lead to clarifying one's true life values emerges as completely noteworthy. The mystique of Will Smith's caddy is intriguing from an idealistic perspective; the same goes for Matt Damon's once-promising golfer trying to recapture the skill of his youth--only to find that it must be recreated.
In the case of each of the above films, it helps considerably if the viewer already likes the respective sports. The films themselves don't do an especially great job of winning fans. It must be said, though, that one may become intrigued at Matt Damon's Rannulph Junnah who, after over a 15-year period of combat fighting in World War I, and thereafter living in seclusion while drinking heavily, still looks like a fresh college junior. The film in this regard seems more like an paean to discovery of the elixir of youth. If you're an avid golfer, or loving spectator, "Bagger Vance" might have special meaning. Otherwise, it might be a bit of uneven going.
Smith, Damon and entire cast all give highly creditable performances.