HOOSIERS (1986)

Title: HOOSIERS

Year of Release: 1986

Director: David Anspaugh

Genre: Drama, Sport

Synopsis: A man comes to Indiana to coach the town's basketball team, and finds resistance at first, but support arrives from some highly unlikely quarters.

Within a film history context: Several films with a basketball coach as their main character have been present in cinema since the 1920s. Sam Wood's silent THE FAIR CO-ED (1927), had the male coach of an all-female college basketball team being pursued by two of its players in this early comedy. Into the sound era, BIG TOWN SCANDAL (1948), directed by William Thomas, featured the editor of a publishing company assisting juvenile delinquents in setting up a basketball center for them, with him as coach in this crime movie. The basketball coach in Jack Nicholson's DRIVE, HE SAID (1971), was a testy man fully committed to winning the game, but had to contend with a number of wayward players in this drama. THE LAST PICTURE SHOW (1971), directed by Peter Bogdanovich, had a coarse coach who it was intimated played both sides of the field with one of the members of his basketball team, whilst being emotionally distant from his wife. 

Melville Shavelson's MIXED COMPANY (1974), followed the life of a basketball coach whose wife wants more children, but his inability in this arena puts a stop to this. She suggests adoption, a notion with which he is not comfortable, especially as she wants to adopt a black boy, a Vietnamese girl, and a Native American boy. ONE ON ONE (1977), directed by Lamont Johnson, was about a young basketball player who wins a college scholarship in Los Angeles, but must contend with a disagreeable coach, and associated academic difficulties in this sports film. Jack Smight's FAST BREAK (1979), focused upon a basketball aficionado who is offered a coaching position at a college, and brings together a motley crew of players to make a winning team. THAT CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON (1982), directed by Jason Miller, featured an aging basketball coach reuniting with his players, but the initial happy spirit of the event goes in another direction as their respective personalities clash. HOOSIERS was the best film about a basketball coach in its time.

In HOOSIERS, the male basketball coach was the central character, motivating all the action in the film. This was also present in MIXED COMPANY, FAST BREAK, and, to a lesser degree, THAT CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON. It was from the coach that passions, arguments, debates, and other events emanated. Their belief in the game, though, was more pronounced in the coaches from FAST BREAK and HOOSIERS than the other examples. These films were given over to extensive basketball game footage, and background information about both the coach, and his team members, which gave depth to the movies. HOOSIERS differed from FAST BREAK in that it was set in the 1950s, and was not contemporary of its era, as the latter was from the late 1970s. HOOSIERS was more of an inspirational narrative than FAST BREAK, where the coach assisted his team to reach the heights, and which he himself achieved. In contrast, FAST BREAK had a leaning towards comedy, with some dramatic moments interspersed. 

There are some other notable differences between FAST BREAK and HOOSIERS. The coach in HOOSIERS was instrumental in changing perceptions of the sport in the small town where he was coaching the players. There was a subtle inference to small town belief systems which take a tumble through the coach's methods for success. All-out antagonism was not displayed toward the coach, but a coming to grips for the townspeople of something new to them. While other examples such as THE FAIR CO-ED, DRIVE, HE SAID, and THE LAST PICTURE SHOW, had well-drawn interpretations of coaches, the characters in these movies took a back seat to HOOSIERS in the coverage the coach receives. One gets to know coach Norman Dale in detail in HOOSIERS, and what makes him tick. His interest in the opposite sex is treated in a naturalistic manner, with the union of two people who have a passion for basketball not forced in its execution. The best portrait of a basketball coach, HOOSIERS deserves credit for creating a three-dimensional character in this respect.

Overview: David Anspaugh is an American director with seven motion pictures to his credit. These are mostly dramas, with several sporting-themed movies amongst this group. Mr Anspaugh's second film, FRESH HORSES (1988), was about a university student who falls for a young Kentucky woman he meets one day, despite being already engaged. This young woman has a few surprises of her own in store for the man in this drama romance. RUDY (1993), was a biopic of real-life American football player Daniel Ruttinger, better known as Rudy, and his aspirations to play college football despite many setbacks in his professional life. MOONLIGHT AND VALENTINO (1995), was a romance of a recently widowed woman, and how several close female confidants support her at this critical moment in her life. The woman finds a new lease on life in the form of a housepainter whose attentions prove positive to her. 

Crime was the central element which pervaded WISEGIRLS (2002). When a former medical student starts waitressing at a New York Italian restaurant, she is plunged into a world of narcotics and dirty dealings in this suspense drama. THE GAME OF THEIR LIVES (2005), was another sports film outing for David Anspaugh. A tale of an American soccer team competing against England, and winning in the 1950 FIFA World Cup, it was, unfortunately, a heavy loss maker for its production company. Mr Anspaugh's last film to date, LITTLE RED WAGON (2012), was the inspirational story of a young boy whose work for homeless children resulted in the creation of a charity for support in this area. HOOSIERS marked David Anspaugh's film debut, and is his best movie.

With HOOSIERS, David Anspaugh has crafted an excellent motion picture. Taking as its focus a basketball coach assigned to train an Indiana team for the state championship, and the challenges he faces in his mission to make them winners, it is a beautifully made movie that compels from start to finish. David Anspaugh has achieved this in the following manner. The flow of events is seamless, teamed with a story which only offers emotional nourishment and satisfaction without being either saccharine, or gimmicky. Mr Anspaugh has succeeded in bringing his movie to life by providing it both an air of reality but also, making the viewer invest time and feeling in what is taking place onscreen. It lacks that obvious commercially driven aura which stigmatized many 1980s films, and is all the better for it. It does not have its eyes firmly planted only on the box office, but has the ability to tell an affecting story in a highly sensitive way. As David Anspaugh's greatest movie, and one of the best films of the 1980s, HOOSIERS is a winner. 

Acting: There are a number of performances in HOOSIERS which are exceptional. In the lead role of Norman Dale, coach of the basketball team, Gene Hackman is in one of his most sympathetic parts. While Mr Hackman usually plays protagonists who one would expect to explode emotionally, but keeps a veneer of uneasy calm, here he has that, but also, a slight vulnerability, and comic timing that is unforeseen. The thorn in Norman Dale's side, schoolteacher Myra Fleener, is a great showcase for Barbara Hershey. An actress highly adept at complex, multidimensional characters in her pictures, she carries this off beautifully in HOOSIERS, compelling the viewer with Myra's psychological twists and turns. Myra's mother, Opal, is a nice turn by Fern Persons. With her knowing ways and innate knowledge of her daughter's inner thoughts, Miss Persons' Opal is a subtle, lightly humorous portrayal which delights. The last acting of note was by Dennis Hopper as Shooter, a former basketball coach with psychological issues. As always, Mr Hopper makes his character's thoughts and actions thoroughly understandable to the audience, with his inimitable nerviness, and lack of inhibitions, which also lend his Shooter a fun edge.

Soundtrack: Jerry Goldsmith's score for HOOSIERS is perfect. Rousing during the many basketball sequences, and quieter in the character verbal exchanges, it works beautifully, considerably enhancing the visuals. It is also interesting to note that in the opening credits sequence the score is more romantic and solemn than in the closing credits, which is bolder in tone, matching the positive outcome of the story, and its inspirational focus.

Mise-en-scene: Visually, HOOSIERS has much going in its favour. The CFI colour photography by Fred Murphy has a muted but realistic flavour, which works for a movie that, although set in the 1950s, does not require screaming colour, as nostalgia is not the point of the enterprise, but raw human emotion and determination. Locations are all excellent, with the many outdoor scenes bringing the story of 1951 Indiana, Norman Dale and his basketball team, to vivid life. In turn, Carroll O'Meara's editing is smooth, with the exciting basketball segments assembled with style and nous. Additionally, his work on the character scenes are all satisfying and logical without ever being choppy. 

Notable Acting Performances: Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, Fern Persons, Dennis Hopper.

Suitability for young viewers: Yes.

Overall Grade: A

Link: IMDB Page

Trailer

EASY RIDER (1969)

Title: EASY RIDER

Year of Release: 1969

Director: Dennis Hopper

Genre: Adventure, Drama

Synopsis: Two freewheeling bikers ride across the United States seeking freedom and to find themselves, but meet a tragic end.

Within a film history context: Films which have bikers as central characters can be found from the earliest days of cinema. One of the most notable was Mabel Norman and Mack Sennett's silent MABEL AT THE WHEEL (1914). Here, Charles Chaplin offers Mabel Normand a ride on his motorcycle in this zany comedy studded with other comics such as Chester Conklin, and co-director Mack Sennett. Another comedy was SHERLOCK JR. (1924), both starring and directed by Buster Keaton. It is noteworthy for a remarkable scene where Mr Keaton rides his motorcycle over a collapsing bridge, and surpasses many other obstacles. A film with larger scope given to a motorcycle rider protagonist was Jack Lee's ONCE A JOLLY SWAGMAN (1949). In this movie, a man's passion for motorbike racing causes issues in his marriage, with Dirk Bogarde in the lead part of the professional motorbike racer. Similarly THE PACE THAT THRILLS (1952), directed by Leon Barsha also featured a biker, with romance and much action included for good measure, with Bill Williams in the lead. One of the most famous of the biker movies was Laszlo Benedek's THE WILD ONE (1953). An excellent showcase for Marlon Brando, it revolved around biker gangs, and their impact on a small town and its residents. In an entirely different vein, exploitation was the name of the game in MOTORCYCLE GANG (1957), directed by Edward L. Cahn. It was one of American International Pictures' films on the theme, with others such as David Bradley's DRAGSTRIP RIOT (1958) also appearing around the same time. The difference between the former, and the latter was that the latter featured familiar faces such as Fay Wray and Connie Stevens in its cast. Into the 1960s came an explosion of biker-themed movies on screen, especially in the second half of the 1960s.

THE GREAT ESCAPE (1963), directed by John Sturges, had scenes with Steve McQueen riding a motorbike, in this taut World War II tale. With Joseph Losey's THE DAMNED (1963), a malignant motorcycle gang cause nothing but problems for an innocent man who falls into their clutches. Elvis Presley vehicle ROUSTABOUT (1964), directed by John Rich, with Mr Presley riding, and singing on a motorcycle, was one of the main attractions in this musical romance. On the other hand, Sidney J. Furie's THE LEATHER BOYS (1964) featured several supporting biker characters as well as a biker main protagonist. More blatant in its approach was MOTORPSYCHO (1965), directed by Russ Meyer. Exploitation was the order of the day, with misogynistic bikers raping women, and causing other mayhem, but their latest crime finds them an opponent determined to bring them down. Roger Corman's THE WILD ANGELS (1966) was another exploitation film, but this time, with an excellent cast, including Peter Fonda, Bruce Dern, Diane Ladd and others, in this movie about a California biker gang, and their hell raising ways.

Further biker adventures and capers were spotlighted in other films such as, most notably, HELLS ANGELS ON WHEELS (1967), directed by Richard Rush, and Daniel Haller's DEVIL'S ANGELS (1967). Revenge was the motivation for THE GLORY STOMPERS (1967), directed by Anthony Lanza, and David Hewitt's HELLS CHOSEN FEW (1968). There was also a slight trend toward female bikers in several late 1960s films, with 1968 alone sporting SHE-DEVILS ON WHEELS, directed by Herschell Gordon Lewis, Maury Dexter's THE MINI-SKIRT MOB, and THE GIRL ON A MOTORCYCLE, directed by Jack Cardiff, some of the envelope-pushing releases that year. Compared to these examples, EASY RIDER had in common the scenic footage of bikers traveling the country, but diverted in other surprising ways from the previous entries in the genre.

Unlike the earliest movies such as MABEL AT THE WHEEL and SHERLOCK JR., which employed biker characters in amusing scenarios, EASY RIDER, overall, was neither deeply dramatic, nor comic in any particular way. There was some humor in the film, but it was not of a broad nature, more subtle in its delivery. The supporting characters in EASY RIDER generally provided the spice, which gave the movie a balance to the scenes of biker escapades. EASY RIDER had an easy-going way about it in the style of ROUSTABOUT, with its picturesque views of the countryside, but lacked the melodrama of entries such as THE GLORY STOMPERS, and the other mid to late 1960s biker films. While many of those focused upon violent narratives with evil bikers, such as in MOTORPSYCHO, the bikers in EASY RIDER were, in complete contrast placid, and even-natured in comparison. 

Wyatt and Billy in EASY RIDER never directed violent tendencies toward anyone, but ill-feeling was aimed at them in the film, which gave the characters a more realistic backdrop than the indestructible, malevolent bikers of other examples. The trend of evils bikers can sometimes be over the top, but having the bikers under threat in EASY RIDER added refreshing emotional layers to the movie lacking in the other movies. Reaction to their treatment from other people, such as George's pointed comments, were also shown in the movie, something which many of the others either only touched upon briefly, or ignored completely. EASY RIDER's characters were also of a different caliber, thus making them more relatable than the sometimes overwrought bikers from other examples. 

There was a contrast between the cool, calm, and collected Wyatt with the edgier, slightly suspicious Billy which worked well. Their motivations were also different from the other biker films in general which made EASY RIDER stand out in the respect. In EASY RIDER, Wyatt and Billy only sought variety, and different experiences with a variety of people on the road. It was more of an odyssey for them, especially displaying their reactions to people, and how other people in turn envisioned them. The film was more of a learning experience not only for the characters but also, the viewers, which also gave EASY RIDER a slightly sombre streak. The most poetic of the biker movie genre, EASY RIDER is memorable for its thoughtful presentation and sincere intentions, an original film that deserved its immense success.

Overview: Dennis Hopper was an actor who began his movie career as a young adult, and directed seven feature films over the space of twenty-five years. His second movie, THE LAST MOVIE (1971), was about a horse wrangler involved in the filming of a movie in Peru, and how his life immeasurably changes after being involved in this project. Critically derided at the time of its release, with poor box office takings, it hampered its director's ability to make another film for some time. Mr Hopper's third film, OUT OF THE BLUE (1980), was a total change of pace from his previous movie. The character study of a young woman obsessed with Elvis Presley and punk music, it was much better received than THE LAST MOVIE, specifically due to its direction, and performances. Grittier in content was COLORS (1988). An examination of gangs, and associated violence in Los Angeles, as seen through the eyes of a veteran policeman and his younger partner, it was well-received not only critically, but also at the box office. The opposite could be said of Dennis Hopper's next film, CATCHFIRE (1990). Despite starring Jodie Foster, and an illustrious cast in a tale of a woman pursued due to her witnessing of a Mafia killing, it did not do either good business financially, or critically. Mr Hopper's penultimate movie, THE HOT SPOT (1990) was in a similar predicament. Crime was again the focus, this time with a man robbing a bank, and becoming enmeshed not only with the police, but also, the town's female inhabitants. Dennis Hopper's last feature film, CHASERS (1994) was a comedy about two United States Navy men assigned to take a Seaman female prisoner to jail, this woman capable of doing anything to get away. EASY RIDER was Dennis Hopper's directorial debut, and one of his most insightful motion pictures.

The story of two bikers riding across America, searching for a slice of happiness, and not finding it, is well explored, and executed by the director in EASY RIDER. Dennis Hopper achieves this in a number of ways. Mr Hopper captures a time and place in the world with exactness and sensitivity, especially highlighting feelings of disenchantment, and displacement, on the part of his protagonists. The America of the late 1960s, with all of its understanding, and also, lack thereof on display, is demonstrated by Mr Hopper through his characters, with both their reactions to, and the impact they make with their presence, on the world they inhabit. Being one's self, and finding one's true self, are high on the film's aspirational radar. EASY RIDER looks at how the natural presence of its characters is threatening to certain others in the story world, and this in turn brings themes of being the outsider, racism, and other concepts to the fore. These are the strongest segments of the movie, which are the most memorable in retrospect. EASY RIDER, though, is a picture which has elements which have not held up as well over time.

While EASY RIDER has a contagious aura of freedom which is not to be discounted, especially in the many motorcycle scenes, some of the segments of the film are not as sturdy as others. In the 1960s, the commune scenes would have possibly been more relevant than now, but these definitely could have been shortened. Even though these introduce one of the many characters who ride along with Wyatt and Billy, and have a purpose in the movie, they seem to go on a little, but one part of the film is particularly enervating to watch. More so than the commune sequences, the LSD drop out scene with Wyatt, Billy and their companions is interminable. It does not add much to the film except excess weight, and, if eliminated or substantially edited, would not have been missed. Something else that subtracts from the film is the fact that Wyatt and Billy are drug dealers, which makes them somewhat less sympathetic on one level. While the tragedy of the finale is palpable, having them involved in illegal activity takes away somewhat from the devastating effect the film strives to achieve. In spite of these flaws, there are many things which recommend the film as one that must be seen by those seriously interested in cinema. EASY RIDER, on the whole, is a landmark movie that set trends in cinema, and has a definite place in cinematic history.

Acting: Three acting contributions are the most prominent in EASY RIDER. As Billy, the anxious, slightly paranoid biker, Dennis Hopper brings a nervy, jovial energy to his role, that can be contrasted with Wyatt. As Wyatt, Peter Fonda exhibits a cool, philosophical outlook that works well as the more subdued of the two bikers. The small role of boozy, curious lawyer George Hanson is made memorable by Jack Nicholson. A performer who excels in roles where he is called upon to display his dominant personality, here he is more knowing, understanding, with a vulnerability lacking from his other portrayals.

Soundtrack: EASY RIDER has an eclectic soundtrack, with an extensive collection of rock songs of the era playing as non-diegetic music. Tunes such as 'Born to be Wild', 'I Wasn't Born to Follow', and 'Kyrie Eleison', to name several examples, not only illustrate, in many cases, what is taking place onscreen, but also, immeasurably add an atmosphere of excitement, and zest, to the movie.

Mise-en-scene: Laszlo Kovacs' cinematography is first-rate, highlighting the many beautiful, rugged places which Wyatt and Billy visit on their travels. The film is shot extensively in many locales which gives the film a sense of verisimilitude, and is notable historically for showcasing locations which would be vastly different now than what they were at the time of EASY RIDER's filming.

Notable Acting Performances: Dennis Hopper, Peter Fonda, Jack Nicholson.

Suitability for young viewers: No. Female nudity, adult themes, medium-level violence, drug use.

Overall Grade: B

Link: IMDB Page

Trailer