Dir. Craig Gillespie (2017)
Rated R I, Tonya follows the true story of figure skater Tonya Harding and her rise to fame that was followed by her swift downfall. The controversy over Harding and Nancy Kerrigan dominated the news stands in 1994, and it's hard to find someone who doesn't know about the story. What is prominent in this film is the insight it offers on the story. Everyone who knew this story has a different opinion on it, and often times, they turn Harding into the villain. This movie tells a different story that could change the way most people think about Tonya Harding. This movie was hysterical, but the story behind it was kind of really sad. This movie is different than other Oscar nominations and the films that have been popular as of late because it's based off a true story, and there is nothing to really note besides the actors. By that I mean that's the only thing that is supposed to appeal to the audience; there's no beautiful cinematography and no great soundtrack. That's not a criticism, the movie was made to be that way. It was supposed to appeal to people who knew the story. In this way, it was great. The acting in this movie was incredible. Margot Robbie (Harding) really shows of her skills in this film. She has been in tons of movies, but is always the pretty blonde whose attractiveness is her selling point. This movie was totally different. Seeing her play Tonya was amazing. She really took on the role and disappeared into it. Allison Janney was just as incredible, playing Tonya's mom (LaVona Harding). The relationship between Tonya and her mom showcased in the film is really heartbreaking and makes you sad for what Tonya's life was really like. That couldn't have been done if Janney and Robbie didn't do such a good job in their roles. The supporting characters also portrayed the real life characters to a tee. It was shocking to see the real people in their interviews during the credits of the movie, because the actors who played them not only looked identical to them, but spoke just like them as well. Sebastian Stan as Jeff Gilooly is worth noting, as well as Paul Walter Hauser as Shawn. I knew almost nothing about the Tonya Harding story before going into this movie, only that Harding has always been made out to be the villain. This movie changed my opinion, and it makes you feel sympathy for Harding. In this movie, it shows that Harding never had part in hiring someone to bash Kerrigan's knee in, it was all her abusive husband's idea. Everyone still thought she was guilty regardless, and she was accused in court. Her own mom even betrayed her. She was banned from figure skating and became a wrestler instead after she was stripped of the one thing she loved. This made me feel real sympathy for her, and gives a different side to the story that was never told in the news. Obviously, no one really knows the whole story and there are always two sides, but if the Harding story was ever of any interest to you, then this movie is worth a watch.
1 Comment
|
AuthorCasey Land Archives
January 2018
Categories |