Seabiscuit

Seabiscuit

Film Name: Seabiscuit (2003)

Director: Gary Ross

Date of release: 25 July 2003 (USA)

Production Co.: Universal Pictures

Major actors: Tobey Magurie, Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper, and Elizabeth Banks

Seabiscuit (2003) is a film about true American heroism; however, not all heroes have to always be human. Seabiscuit is a racehorse that became a national sensation during the Great Depression and would unite three men in the midst of troubled times, and changed their lives forever. Thematically, one of the most striking features of the film is at the beginning when the narrator briefly touches the invention of the automobile, I found it interesting because it took your mind of everything, but the car. As the film began, the story shifted to horses, specifically, Seabiscuit, it took me a couple of minutes to realize that this was a film technique to bring Seabiscuit to life. Stylistically, Seabiscuit (2003) is remarkable! Stunning shots are present throughout the film, which make the story more interesting and realistic. The integration of these techniques made Seabiscuit, an unlikely champion, a symbol of American heroism and hope during the Great Depression.

Seabiscuit (2003) centers on three main characters: Johnny (Red) Pollard, the jockey, Charles S. Howard, Seabiscuit’s owner, and Tom Smith, Seabiscuit’s trainer. The film follows the three men’s redemption as they rise from the troubles brought by the Great Depression. Their association with Seabiscuit brings them fame and success during such difficult times. Red Pollard belongs to a wealthy family, who lost everything when the stock market crashed. Red’s family eventually decide to give him up to a horse trainer because they are unable to provide for him and so he could employ his horse racing talent. Eventually, Red becomes a jockey, and boxes to make extra money, which leaves him blind in one eye. Charles S. Howard owns a bicycle shop. Suddenly, a man’s car breaks down in front of his...