Disney / Buena Vista | 2005 | 121 mins | Rated PG
On the face of it, golf doesn’t exactly sound like titillating cinema. However, the 2005 film, The Greatest Game Ever Played manages to be exciting, dramatic and inspirational from beginning to end. Directed by well known actor Bill Paxton (Big Love), the film tells the true story of the 1913 U.S. Open championship. The legendary meeting between six-time British Open golf champion Harry Vardon (Stephen Dillane), the greatest English player of all time and the untested young amateur Francis Ouimet (Shia LaBeouf) would play a major role in reshaping the face of golf throughout the next century.
Francis, the son of a French ditch-digger, isn’t the type of kid most would expect to take up golf. His father Arthur Ouimet (Elias Koteas), is fervently against Francis playing golf, dismissing the game as a frivolous waste of time. Despite this, Francis has become an impressive golfer through years of practicing in his bedroom and a job caddying for the well-to-do at the country club across the street from his home.
Despite the presence of a forward thinking club member and the help of the resident golf pro, Francis is given the opportunity to qualify for the Amateur National Championships, after falling one stroke short, he gives in to his father by hanging up his clubs and getting a job. However, a year later he’s back on the links when his local country club is selected to host the 1913 U.S. Open. Further, he is asked to represent his hometown as the amateur player. Finally living out his dream, Francis is given the opportunity to face his hero, Harry Vardon, the talented English phenom Ted Ray (Stephen Marcus) and the only American to ever win the U.S. Open, the brash John McDermott (Michael Weaver).
Armed with his ten-year-old caddy, Eddie Lowry (Josh Flitter) Francis attacks the course. The picture on the Blu-ray case tells us the eventual outcome; Francis stuns the world and wins the title. That’s not really where the value in this movie lies. In a wider sense, The Greatest Game Ever Played is a film about the economic divide that existed in the early twentieth century. In 1913, golf was strictly a sport limited to the haves of the world, others were simply not welcome. At one point, Francis is told, “Caddies don’t play in the amateurs. It’s not for your kind.” Predictably, like Vardon who had come from modest means, Francis immediately became a middle class hero. It’s fitting that Miracle, the story of Team U.S.A.’s triumph against the Soviet Union in the 1980 Olympics, came out on Blu-ray the same day; both are stories of individuals believing in themselves and overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds. It also doesn’t hurt that there’s some pretty amazing golf shots throughout the film.
A then eighteen-year-old Shia LaBeouf is believable and utterly likeable as the unexpected champion, however it’s Josh Flutter who often steals the show. As young caddy Eddie Lowry, this kid is just hilarious. He steals every scene he’s in, with snappy one-liners and the diehard belief he has in his golfer. He plays the “you and me against the world” attitude to the hilt. Along the way, he also serves as a calming influence and trusted advisor for Francis. Solid performances are also turned in by Stephen Marcus as golfer Ted Ray and Stephen Dillane as Harry Vardon.
Though primarily known as an actor, Bill Paxton shows he has some behind the camera skills. He was able to bring the story together nicely and his obvious passion for golf comes through in every frame. While golf is a sport that has generally been reserved for comedy in films (Caddyshack, Happy Gilmore, Tin Cup), Paxton has done a fine job of crafting an uplifting, entertaining and enjoyable document of the sport.
The Blu-ray is presented in a 1080p, 1.85:1-framed transfer. Overall, this is a solid but not reference quality. Fleshtones are occasionally reddish in color and flexuate a bit. Detail is very good however; every detail of the period clothing is clearly seen; revealing every thread and button. Close-ups of faces reveal every hair and tiny bead of sweat. The montage during the soggy third round of the U.S. Open reveals impressive imagery, the drops of rain on clothing and faces drench the screen and appear incredibly lifelike. A subtle grain throughout, gives The Greatest Game Ever Played a film like appearance and makes this a worthwhile recommendation.
The film comes equipped with a DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless surround sound mix. Driven by dialogue, music and the occasional sound effect, distribute nicely across the front. Most impressive is the film’s score, every note heard distinctly and the entire range playing clearly. The soundtrack also features a nice array of environmental effects that play across the front; whether it be crowd applause during the golf sequences or the buzzing of insects heard in the distance on Massachusetts mornings, the track creates a believable atmosphere across the front half of the soundstage but doesn’t offer all that much presence in the rears. All things considered, The Greatest Game Ever Played sounds just quite impressive. It’s a solid soundtrack that supports film well.
The Greatest Game Ever Played comes with the following special features, in standard definition:
• Audio Commentary with Director Bill Paxton: Paxton covers a lot of things here. He talks about why he shot certain scenes the way he did and the themes of the film. He also touches on the look and score of the film as well as the various actors. He is clearly proud of the movie and happy to share his experiences with viewers.
• Audio Commentary with Mark Frost: The Screenwriter/Producer of the film and author of the book on which the film is based, Frost talks about making the transition from page to screen.
• A View From the Gallery: On the Set of The Greatest Game Ever Played (15:22) features Director Bill Paxton and others talking about the films style, the assemblage of the cast and crew, sets, costumes, the performances of the actors, etc.
• Two Legends and the Great Game (6:51) takes a closer look at the true stories of the men that inspired the film.
• From Caddy to Champion: Francis Ouimet (25:18) is a vintage 1963 piece featuring the real Francis Ouimet discussing a broad range of golf-related topics.
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