There were rich pickings in the American film ‘Seabiscuit’. One can only wonder why it received an M rating, because it fitted well into the family movie genre. Well, after all, the film was produced by the Disney company, Dreamworks.
‘Seabiscuit’ was the story of the career of champion horse ‘Seabiscuit’ and the group of the people responsible for its success.
In essence it was a romantic film, made in the style of old fashioned Hollywood.
Through the film there were classic narrative structure happening to keep things flowing.
The wealthy old fashioned owners who takes a punt on a colt house.. The cute, old fashioned couple that have bought it…The colt ‘underdog’ horse that turns into a champion, with the amazing radar honed in on the finishing line…Inevitably, the champion horse comes up against another champion horse owned by an unsympathetic millionaire owner….The young wholesome jockey who develops a great rapport with the horse is turned around by the brilliant horse…the old time worldy wise trainer who knows every horse trick in the business.
The direction, and performances led by Tobey Maguire were in keeping with the style of this film.
7 January, 2005